CHICAGO — Dozens of community groups and immigrant rights advocates rallied Thursday in downtown Chicago to oppose the Trump administration’s reported plans to deploy tactical Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) teams in the city.
Organized by the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR), the protest drew hundreds to the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Ida B. Wells Drive, just outside Grant Park. Demonstrators held signs advocating for immigrant rights and the abolition of ICE, while some wore keffiyehs in a show of solidarity with Palestinian causes.
Call to Action Against Trump’s Tactics
According to rally leaders, this protest was triggered by recent reports confirming former President Donald Trump ordered ICE tactical teams to prepare for deployment in Chicago — including riot gear and armored vehicles — with just 48 hours’ notice.
“Our communities are under threat once again,” said Antonio Gutierrez, co-founder of Organized Communities Against Deportation, during a passionate address.
“Hundreds of mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, are on the line. Our democracy and freedom are on the line.”
Speakers from other advocacy groups, including Equality Illinois and the Arab American Action Network, echoed these concerns, calling Trump’s directives a form of authoritarian overreach.
Tense Moments With Counter-Protesters
Tensions flared briefly around 4 p.m. when a lone counter-protester holding a sign that read “ICE is welcome in Chicago” and waving a “Jesus” flag appeared near the rally. The man was confronted by demonstrators, and shouting erupted as he repeatedly yelled “freedom of speech!” before being escorted away by first responders.
Chicago Police officers stood by during the incident, maintaining crowd control and monitoring any risk of violence.
Protest March Moves Toward Trump Tower
Shortly before 5 p.m., the protest escalated into a march through downtown, moving north on Michigan Avenue past the Art Institute of Chicago, then across the Chicago River to Trump Tower. Protesters chanted in both English and Spanish, calling for the defense of immigrant communities.
To ensure public safety, Chicago Police Department bike officers escorted the group, while city dump trucks blocked intersections to prevent vehicles from interfering with the march route — a precaution after a maroon sedan barreled through a protest route earlier in the week, leaving one woman with serious fractures.
The march concluded peacefully back at Grant Park, where participants dispersed around dusk.
ICE Presence Already Reported in Chicago
As of Thursday morning, several advocacy organizations claimed that ICE agents had already been spotted at a downtown Metra and Amtrak station, raising fears that arrests may begin imminently.
In a press conference earlier in the day, ICIRR leaders strongly condemned reported arrests in the South Loop last week, saying they fear this marks the start of aggressive immigration enforcement under a second Trump administration.
“This is about more than just immigration enforcement,” said another organizer. “This is about targeting vulnerable communities for political points.”
Residents were urged to report any ICE sightings to the ICIRR Family Support Hotline, which remains active 24/7.
National Protests and Local Solidarity
This Chicago rally is part of a broader national response to Trump’s renewed immigration enforcement strategy. Earlier this week, Los Angeles saw similar protests, some escalating into violent clashes and even the burning of a Trump effigy. Now, Chicago is bracing for additional unrest as public opinion splits sharply over federal immigration crackdowns.
The situation is evolving quickly, with another major demonstration, the “No Kings” protest, expected to draw thousands to Daley Plaza this Saturday at noon.
How is your neighborhood responding to ICE presence in Chicago? Have you seen signs of enforcement near transit stations or businesses? Let us know in the comments or share your story at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
