CHICAGO — A coalition of immigrant rights advocates, labor organizers, and elected officials gathered downtown Monday to denounce former President Donald Trump’s renewed immigration proposals, as a new travel ban officially took effect.
The rally, organized by the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR), included speakers from SEIU, Equity and Transformation (EAT), and local community groups — all unified in their message: Trump’s proposals threaten immigrant families and working communities across Illinois.
Protest Comes As Travel Ban Kicks In
The Monday morning protest followed the overnight enforcement of Trump’s latest travel ban, which restricts entry from several countries and marks a significant policy shift ahead of the 2024 election season.
Activists argued the ban is part of a broader effort by Trump allies to reinvigorate hardline immigration enforcement, modeled after prior policies shaped by adviser Stephen Miller.
“This isn’t just rhetoric — these are real threats to our communities,” one organizer told the crowd.
Key Chicago Leaders Join Resistance
U.S. Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García was expected to speak at the event, joining organizers who criticized Trump’s call for national deportation quotas, renewed efforts to dismantle sanctuary city protections, and what they describe as the criminalization of labor movements advocating for immigrant rights.
The event sets the stage for a week of immigration-related activity in Chicago and beyond.
Week of Immigration Events Begins
The protest also launched a broader push timed around several major events:
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A Tuesday court hearing for Ramon Morales Reyes, a Wisconsin man allegedly falsely targeted by ICE, according to advocates.
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A Thursday congressional hearing, where Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker is expected to testify in defense of the Illinois TRUST Act, which limits local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration agents.
Organizers say the week’s actions are meant to reinforce that Illinois remains committed to immigrant protections, despite national policy threats.
Do Trump’s immigration proposals go too far — or are they necessary reform? Should Illinois double down on sanctuary protections?
Join the discussion now at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
