CHICAGO — A major demonstration in Chicago’s Loop escalated into chaos Tuesday evening as thousands protested nationwide immigration raids and former President Donald Trump’s policies.
The large-scale rally, initially peaceful, turned volatile with incidents that included a car plowing through the crowd and a Trump effigy being raised and burned at Daley Plaza — highlighting the intensifying outrage surrounding immigration enforcement and national guard deployments.
From Protest To Turmoil: What Happened Downtown
The protest kicked off around 5 p.m. at Federal Plaza, according to Hindustan Times, where demonstrators gathered with signs reading “ICE Out of Chicago” and “One mustache away from fascism.” Chants of “Revolution!” echoed as the crowd grew.
By 6:19 p.m., tensions erupted when a maroon sedan drove through protesters near Monroe and Wabash. Eyewitness Dr. Howard Ehrman told CBS News that it was “a miracle nobody got hit,” criticizing police for focusing on crowd control over stopping the vehicle.
The driver, reportedly a woman seen earlier spray-painting during the march, was identified behind the wheel. The car eventually broke down on State Street, ending the scare.
Violence and Symbolic Resistance at Daley Plaza
Later in the evening, demonstrators erected a Trump effigy at Daley Plaza and climbed onto the iconic Picasso sculpture. By 7:45 p.m., the protest had evolved into symbolic resistance as crowds shouted slogans connecting global causes — “From Palestine to Mexico, these border walls have got to go.”
Protesters moved throughout the Loop and into River North, with some remaining active until nearly 11 p.m., zigzagging across downtown bridges and gathering near Maggie Daley Park.
Police Response, Arrests, and Transit Impact
The Chicago Police Department reported several arrests, but no major injuries. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, a 66-year-old woman suffered a broken arm in a related hit-and-run incident. The driver of that vehicle has not been publicly identified.
CTA bus service across much of downtown was temporarily suspended, halting operations between North Avenue and Roosevelt Road. ‘L’ trains remained operational but experienced delays due to crowd activity.
Voices From The Street: Protesters Speak Out
Protesters expressed a sense of urgency and frustration. One speaker told CBS News, “The injustice being upheld by the White House is unfair. We’re here to practice our right to protest.” Another added, “That’s not my country, and I’m here to fight for it.”
Multiple squad cars were tagged with graffiti, and images from the scene showed tense moments between demonstrators and law enforcement — especially at the intersection of State and Monroe.
Political Fallout and Broader Implications
The protest mirrors nationwide unrest in response to intensified ICE activity and Trump-era immigration crackdowns. While the immediate protest was sparked by raids and policy rhetoric, it evolved into a larger critique of federal overreach and civil liberties.
Were you present during Tuesday night’s protest in the Loop? Share your footage or perspectives in the comments — ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com is collecting firsthand accounts to help inform local communities.
