2 days ago
Protesters rally, march against ICE in downtown Chicago
Protesters gathered in Federal Plaza and marched along downtown Chicago streets Tuesday evening in a demonstration against the Trump administration and raids by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Streets were closed on a rolling basis as the protest march advanced.
At Federal Plaza, protesters beat drums and chanted, "Revolution!" and other chants. Some waved the flag of Mexico, and some also waved Palestinian flags and wore keffiyehs in solidarity with the pro-Palestinian cause.
Signs in English and Spanish were seen, "The People say ICE out," and, "The People say ICE out of Chicago."
Many signs also referenced keeping families together.
A series of speakers took to a podium during the protest.
The group then began marching north on Dearborn Street, yelling, "F**k ICE," and "No justice, no peace!" Police kept their distance on the sides of the march.
The group that began at Federal Plaza apparently merged with a group that had been circling the downtown area for a few hours.
CBS News Chicago talked with protesters before the march began.
"We don't think what's happening is just, and personally, I'm against my government using my tax dollars to fund genocide, as well as ICE going into people's homes without warrants," said protester Timothy Edward.
"Something's happening right now like in our country where people have to ultimately decide, like, what side of history that they want to be on," said protester Johnathan Ellison.
CBS News Chicago also asked the Chicago Police Department about its protocols for handling such protests as the one on Tuesday, and the "No Kings" protest against the Trump administration planned for Saturday.
Police cited their experience with the Democratic National Convention last year as an example of successfully handling protest. Police also said they would ensure people's First Amendment rights were protected, but said violence would not be tolerated.
