CHICAGO — Thousands of demonstrators packed the streets of downtown Chicago Tuesday in protest against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and broader federal immigration policies. What began as a peaceful rally escalated into a chaotic evening after a car plowed through protesters near Monroe and Wabash, narrowly missing several marchers.
The protest started around 5 p.m. at Federal Plaza, where demonstrators gathered with signs and chants calling for ICE to leave Chicago. As the crowd surged into the Loop, tensions mounted.
Car Drives Through Crowd, Injures Woman
Around 6:19 p.m., just as the crowd moved along Monroe Street and Wabash Avenue, a maroon sedan sped through the march. According to CBS News Chicago, the car swerved past pedestrians, knocking down signs and coming dangerously close to several people.
One Chicago police officer attempted to strike the vehicle with a baton as it barreled through. Dr. Howard Ehrman, a witness on the ground, said it was a “miracle” no one was killed.
“This is an example of the Chicago Police Department not doing their job of protecting the people,” Ehrman said, criticizing officers for focusing on protesters instead of blocking the vehicle.
Shortly after the car passed, cellphone footage captured an injured woman lying on the street, later placed in an ambulance. The female driver, wearing a yellow tank top, was later seen re-entering her vehicle after it broke down on State Street in the South Loop.
Protesters Continue March Despite Confrontations
Despite the incident, the crowd remained resolute. Protesters wound through downtown — along Clark, Dearborn, and eventually into River North, as police monitored them on foot and by helicopter.
Some protestors clashed with officers at key intersections, including State and Monroe and later at Dearborn and Wacker Drive. One protester was wrapped in a flag when detained and placed in a police transport van. Several police vehicles were tagged with anti-police graffiti during the confrontation.
The situation escalated again near Washington and State around 8 p.m., as police attempted to block access to the Macy’s flagship store. Protesters also surrounded a police van near Dearborn and Jackson, prompting a rapid response from officers.
CTA Disrupted, Federal Plaza Revisited
The CTA suspended all bus service in and around the Loop and Near North Side during the height of the protest. L train service continued to run, though with delays.
By 10:45 p.m., only a small group remained active. Earlier in the evening, many had returned to Daley Plaza, where an effigy of former President Trump was raised. Some demonstrators stood on the iconic Picasso sculpture holding flags in solidarity with immigrant and Palestinian communities.
Protest Context: National Guard, California Raids Stir Emotions
This demonstration followed rising anger over recent ICE activity and national protests. In Los Angeles, over 200 people were arrested during similar demonstrations, prompting Mayor Karen Bass to issue curfews and call in the National Guard. Protesters in Chicago were motivated in part by these developments, along with renewed immigration raids and the high-profile arrest of union organizer David Huerta.
Retired CPD Chief of Detectives Eugene Roy said Chicago’s police force likely mirrored strategies used during the Democratic National Convention.
“It’s like a game of checkers,” Roy explained. “You block ahead, behind, and cross streets. It’s optics, too — shutting down DuSable Lake Shore Drive sends a bad message nationally.”
How Should Chicago Handle Future Protests?
Should police tactics shift to better protect both protestors and public space? Were officers right to hold certain lines or should more preventive steps have been taken? Tell us what you think in the comments at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.