More ICE protests underway in Chicago

CHICAGO — Protestors are marching in downtown Chicago Thursday to demonstrate against ICE raids.

The march began at the corner of Michigan Avenue and Ida B Wells at 4 p.m., and will reportedly be made up of local groups who are demanding to get the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) out of Illinois, including the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights.

The march then went to Trump Tower before going back down State Street and wrapping up at Grant Park.

As the protesters marched on, traffic was blocked off. Chicago Streets and Sanitation vehicles as well as salt trucks were seen along the route to prevent vehicles from entering. Just two days ago, the driver of a vehicle drove through protesters blocking the 100 block of East Monroe Street, injuring a 66-year-old woman.

On Thursday morning, the Illinois Coalition of Migrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) held a press conference to update the public on what local communities are facing, and to demand the ICE raids to stop.

Earlier this week, Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration informed the public that the federal government has prepped tactical ICE teams for deployment in Chicago.

“Our democracy and freedom are on the line. This is a pivot point for our society. We will either rise and resist or we will allow Trump to become the fascist dictator he clearly wants to become,” Johnson said.

This all comes after ICE agents detained at least 10 immigrants in the South Loop last week. The immigrants, who are already in the Intensive Supervision Appearance Program (ISAP) were sent text messages instructing them to come for their check-in appointment. That’s when ICE agents stepped in and detained them.

Gladis Yolanda Chavez Pineda was one of those immigrants arrested. The Honduras-native was detained while doing her Intensive Supervision Appearance Program (ISAP) check-in.

Pineda is now in the Kentucky County Jail.

Governor JB Pritzker is among other Democratic governors testifying before the House GOP about their states’ immigration policies. This comes on the heels of large protests in California.

The first large-scale anti-ICE protest in Chicago was held on Tuesday, June 10 in the Loop. A total of 17 protesters were arrested and at least one police officer was injured.

Another rally is expected on Saturday at noon at Richard J. Daley Center, located at 50 West Washington Street.