Thousands of protesters take to the streets of downtown Chicago for ‘No Kings Day’

CHICAGO (WGN) — Thousands of demonstrators across the country took to the streets for “No Kings Day,” a nationwide series of protests against the Trump administration, Saturday.

Protesters packed New York City’s Times Square, Boston Common, Chicago’s Grant Park and hundreds of smaller public spaces. More than 2,600 rallies were planned for Saturday, organizers said.

City officials estimated 15,000 people were at the first “No Kings” protest in Chicago on June 14, though organizers disputed that claim and said the turnout was much higher.

Due to a recent increase in immigration-related arrests in Chicagoland, an even bigger crowd than the one in June was expected this time around.

Chicago protest organizers argue the purpose behind it is to oppose what they call “illegal” and “unnecessary” attacks against their neighbors.

Elected officials who also oppose the Trump administration’s plans addressed the large crowd gathered in Grant Park.

“We do not want troops in our city. We will not allow our city to be occupied,” Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said.

Protests are also being held in suburbs across the area, including Elgin, Rosemont, Elmhurst, Palatine, Naperville and more.

Since the start of “Operation Midway Blitz,” ICE said more than 1,500 people have been arrested.

“Peaceful protest is a good thing. It’s something we protect in the Constitution,” Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker said.

This week, Pritzker said he supports Illinoisians exercising their First Amendment right against the Trump administration and ICE.

“Especially these days, trying to protect them from the attacks… abominable what ICE is doing,” he said.