What Happened: ICE‑Driven Protests & Confrontations

1. Mass Rallies in Solidarity with LA

On June 10, 2025, over 1,000–10,000 Chicagoans filled the Loop in coordinated protests against federal ICE raids, expressing solidarity with similar actions in Los Angeles and across the country  . Demonstrators began at both the Chicago Immigration Court (3 p.m.) and Federal Plaza (5:30 p.m.), eventually merging into a large march through downtown streets and along DuSable Lake Shore Drive  .

2. Mostly Peaceful—but Not Without Incident

The protests were largely peaceful, featuring chants like “Abolish ICE” and “No human is illegal”  . However, there were tense moments:

• Brief scuffles with Chicago police near Washington & State Streets as officers sought to contain the march  .
• Vandalism of police squad cars and sporadic confrontations with baton‑wielding officers  .
• A red car sped into the crowd on Monroe/Wabash, prompting swift action by pedestrians and police; there’s no official word yet on injuries or charges .

3. Disruption & Response

Downtown traffic—including Lake Shore Drive—was halted, and CTA bus service was briefly suspended as the crowd marched  . Chicago officials have not announced any formal curfews or military-style interventions, unlike what occurred in Los Angeles .

 Voices from the Crowd

• Esteban Burgoa, a veteran, connected today’s events to authoritarianism, saying, “I do not agree with the mobilization of the military against its own people…”  .
• Teen protesters emphasized empathy and inclusion:
  “No matter how small, we’re using our voices and it sends a message.” — Mariana Gonzalez, 16  
• Many mothers and children were present—some selling candy—underscoring the personal stakes felt within immigrant communities  .

 Behind the Protests

• Trigger: A nationwide wave of ICE raids, starting in Los Angeles, including the detention of a major SEIU leader, has spurred widespread backlash .
• Local Arrests: Chicago saw at least 10 immigrants detained last week during check‑in appointments in the South Loop—another catalyst  .
• Coordinated Movement: The “From LA to Chicago: ICE Out!” campaign connects these protests, amplified by left-leaning organizing groups like PSL, ANSWER, Casa DuPage, and the 25th Ward IPO  .

Looking Forward: What’s Next?

“No Kings” Protest – Saturday, June 14

A major follow-up march—expected to be one of the largest since 2020—will take place at noon in Daley Plaza, led by NoKings.org along with local chapters in Beverly, Evanston, Oak Park, Joliet, and beyond  . It coincides with former President Trump’s planned military parade in Washington, D.C., and his 79th birthday  .

• Potential Escalation

Activists are banking on sustained pressure. But Chicago’s police approach—less aggressive than in other cities—has so far avoided major escalation .

Final Thoughts

Chicago’s protests this week have been a powerful statement of solidarity and frustration—large-scale yet carefully controlled. With strong community participation and strategic coordination, the movement is gaining momentum. However, the car‑through‑crowd incident and police involvement serve as stark reminders of the volatility embedded in such demonstrations.

As the No Kings rally on June 14 approaches, all eyes are on Chicago once again—will it remain peaceful or amplify into notable unrest? Stay tuned for deeper coverage on that day.