CHICAGO — Immigration protesters gathered at Daley Plaza on Monday to denounce the deployment of the National Guard in California and the controversial arrest of SEIU California president David Huerta, calling the move an unjustified escalation against immigrant communities.
The rally was organized in response to President Donald Trump’s decision to deploy National Guard troops to Los Angeles amid growing protests — a move California Governor Gavin Newsom publicly criticized as an “illegal and unconstitutional act.”
“This is not about immigration,” said Rep. Jesús ‘Chuy’ García, who joined protesters in downtown Chicago. “This is about domination of all of our communities.”
Why They Protested: David Huerta’s Arrest and Federal Deployment
The rally came after dozens were arrested in Los Angeles on Sunday during large-scale demonstrations, which escalated following the federal deployment. Among those arrested was David Huerta, president of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) in California, whose detention sparked national outrage.
“He was wrongfully detained,” said Genie Kastrup, president of SEIU’s Chicago-based chapter. “What happened to Huerta is a direct assault on all of us.”
Attendees demanded Huerta’s immediate release, ending speeches with unified chants of “Free David!”
ICE Enforcement in Chicago Sparks Local Outrage
Chicago’s own immigration tensions were also a major focus of Monday’s protest. Demonstrators cited recent ICE arrests in Chicago, including a reported confrontation near 22nd Street and Michigan Avenue, where more than a dozen individuals were detained after showing up for routine check-ins with immigration officers.
“Ripping parents apart from their children, kidnapping people, showing up to what they thought was a routine check-in at ICE — this is cruelty with intent,” García said.
According to ICE, those detained were individuals with “final orders of removal” who had failed to comply with those court orders. All were reportedly enrolled in the agency’s Alternatives to Detention program, which includes strict supervision and case management.
City Council Response and Ongoing Tensions
The Chicago City Council’s Latino Caucus issued a statement condemning the ICE enforcement, saying:
“The actions taken today send a chilling message to our immigrant communities: that even those who follow the law are at risk.”
They called for immediate answers and accountability, warning that the federal tactics threaten to erode trust between immigrant families and city institutions.
More protests are expected across the city in the coming days, though García stated he does not anticipate a National Guard deployment in Chicago. He did caution that “outside agitators” might attempt to inflame tensions at future demonstrations.
Were You at the Daley Plaza Rally?
What’s your take on the recent federal actions and Chicago’s role in pushing back? Share your voice with the community at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
