Chicago protest: Protesters in Daley Plaza, downtown oppose Trump's policies on immigration, federal funding, reproductive rights
Share and Follow

CHICAGO (WLS) — People took to the streets Saturday in Chicago and nationwide to protest President Donald Trump’s policies.

The protests came as the U.S. Supreme Court issued a new ruling temporarily blocking deportations of immigrants under the Alien Enemies Act. The high court acted in an emergency appeal from the ACLU.

Trump immigration policies were just one topic protesters demonstrated about.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

There were massive crowds that showed up Saturday to Daley Plaza in downtown Chicago, with a large number of people and protest signs. All of them said they’re protesting the Trump administration when it comes to hands off the courts, immigration laws and foreign affairs. They said now is the time to stand up to the administration.

Chicagoans sent a statement to the Trump administration, growing frustrated with many of the president’s policies.

“The science, the universities, research, freedom, no arrests without due process, no deporting people to other countries without due process,” a Chicago resident named Abby said.

A number of organizations joined in on the rally at Daley Plaza, protesting for reproductive rights, immigration laws, international peace and federal funding to critical programs.

“People are awake, alive, paying attention and ready to step out and do something against this horrible administration,” Oak Park resident Marsha Borders said.

Protests against the administration have continued across the country as well as suburbs throughout Illinois.

Crowds also gathered in Arlington Heights on Saturday, protesting for the same reason.

In Chicago, the rally lasted a couple hours and was followed by a march through the streets of downtown.

One of the organizers, Tessa Bonney, is an assistant professor at the University of Illinois Chicago, where she said they’re already facing adversity.

“Our federal funding is at risk or some of it is gone we are very concerned about the attacks on education, the attacks on our students,” Bonney said.

Others planned to continue the protests nationwide, as one woman said she’s planning a march from Philadelphia to Washington D.C. in hopes of sharing the stories of people impacted by policy decisions.

“We the people are what makes the difference,” said Judy Shatkin with Democracy 12. “If we all stand up together, we can make change in our government.”

SEE ALSO | El Salvador’s Bukele, aside Trump, says he won’t return migrant wrongfully deported

There were no counter-protesters in Chicago on Saturday, and ABC7 reached out to the Illinois GOP for comment but did not hear back.

“Mr. president, you gotta do the right thing and you’re not, and that’s why I’m here,” Chicago resident Mike Demartino said.

The organizers said this will not be the last time they get together to rally against the administration. Many more protests planned in the coming weeks.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Trailblazing US Senator who competed at the Olympics dies aged 92

Pioneering US Senator and Former Olympian Passes Away at 92

A trailblazing Colorado senator, renowned for his political party switch and his…
All the eclipses, supermoons, meteor showers and planets to spot in 2026

Celestial Events to Watch in 2026: Eclipses, Supermoons, Meteor Showers, and Planetary Alignments

In 2026, the night sky promises to be a spectacle for astronomy…
Glamorous TV meteorologist leaves job after just a few months on air

Stunning Departure: Popular TV Meteorologist Exits Role After Brief Tenure

A well-known local meteorologist is bidding farewell to her home station after…
Brown University implements campus-wide security overhaul after mass shooting leaves 2 dead, 9 wounded

Brown University Initiates Comprehensive Security Revamp Following Tragic Mass Shooting Resulting in 2 Fatalities and 9 Injuries

In the wake of the tragic mass shooting at Brown University on…
Body found in search for Texas teen who vanished on a Christmas walk

Tragic Discovery: Body Found in Search for Missing Texas Teen Who Disappeared on Christmas Walk

A tragic development has emerged in the search for a missing Texas…
Nevada car crash tosses vehicle airborne, driver lands in backyard pool

Nevada Vehicle Accident Launches Car Into Air, Driver Ends Up in Backyard Pool

Chilling surveillance video from a home in southern Nevada captures the moment…
Stefon Diggs charged with strangulation, assault in NFL shocker

Stefon Diggs Faces Serious Charges: NFL Star in Strangulation and Assault Scandal

New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs faces serious legal charges, including…
Kelsey Grammer’s daughter Greer reveals 'meanest thing' he told her

Greer Grammer Shares Insight into Her Father’s Surprisingly Candid Remark

Kelsey Grammer’s daughter has spoken out about a particularly hurtful comment her…