‘No Kings’ Rally In Chicago Attracts Hundreds To The Loop

DOWNTOWN — Chicago’s version of the “No Kings” protest noticed tens of hundreds of individuals take to the streets of the Loop Saturday to denounce President Donald Trump.

An estimated 75,000 individuals marched peacefully Downtown as a part of a nationwide day of protests in opposition to Trump, notably round his deportation efforts and use of navy forces to quell civil unrest in Los Angeles. It was one in every of roughly 2,000 protests throughout the nation, and it was the second main protest in opposition to Trump in Chicago this week.

Following a collection of speeches at Daley Plaza, protesters marched north in direction of Wacker Drive and east previous Trump Tower earlier than heading south on Michigan Avenue. Individuals from all around the metropolis and suburbs got here Downtown to talk out in opposition to Trump’s administration, which has ramped up immigration raids, together with in Chicago.

“Trump is attacking individuals on the margins, and we’re privileged individuals, however he’s going to ultimately come for us, too,” stated April LaCroix, who got here with accomplice Matt Meador and their three younger kids. “It’s simple to suppose stuff like this doesn’t matter, however I used to be telling the children, if no person exhibits up, we don’t make a degree. Each single particular person issues.”

The streets had been stuffed with the sound of rhythmic drumming, call-and-response chanting and even some dancing.

Mexican and People flags waved as a dance circle fashioned round percussionists Marcos Sanchez and Sandra Morales, who had been taking part in a Cumbia groove collectively on the nook of Dearborn and Randolph. Sanchez performed a Guiro, a standard instrument present in Latin America, whereas Morales used a bucket and a picket spoon.

“We don’t need each protest to be about doom and gloom,” Sanchez stated. “Music brings individuals collectively. We wish pleasure in our communities!”

Sanchez, who stated he needed to struggle for the Latino neighborhood, talked about that a few of these near him had been dwelling in concern of ICE raids.

“It’s my responsibility to be out right here combating for them,” Sanchez added. “And shortly [Trump] will come for everybody.”

The protest wrapped up round 3 p.m. again at Daley Plaza. Some activists needed to proceed marching however had been thwarted by police strains on a number of sides of the plaza. A standoff between police and protesters ensured, although it resolved peacefully.

Some protesters moved to ICE’s Chicago Area Workplace, the place police and protesters clashed as activists had been corralled out of Ida B. Wells Drive and Clark Road.

See extra pictures from Saturday’s demonstrations:

-Quinn Myers and Charles Thrush contributed.

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