In the heart of Chicago, a significant gathering is anticipated this Saturday as organizers of the “No Kings” movement prepare to welcome tens of thousands to a peaceful protest at Grant Park’s Butler Field. Participants from both suburban and urban neighborhoods are expected to unite in a demonstration that echoes across the nation, with similar protests planned in multiple cities.

This large-scale protest in Chicago is part of a broader wave of “No Kings” rallies set to unfold throughout the country. The movement has gained momentum particularly in light of ongoing demonstrations near the Broadview Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility. For weeks, advocates have been calling for reforms in immigration enforcement practices.

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The anticipation of a substantial turnout this time around is fueled by recent ICE activity in the Chicago area, which has sparked heightened community concern. Organizers believe these developments will draw an even larger crowd compared to the “No Kings” rally held in June.

The event will kick off with a two-hour program starting at noon in Grant Park before protesters embark on a march through downtown Chicago. In preparation for the demonstration, the Chicago Police Department has announced plans to deploy additional resources throughout the Loop to ensure the safety and security of all participants.

After a two-hour program beginning at noon in Grant Park on Saturday, protesters will then march through downtown. The Chicago Police Department says it will have extra resources throughout the Loop.

Red paint, white poster board and a final stroke, “Democracy dies in silence” is the phrase protester Alex Saucedo is using for his hand made sign for Chicago’s “No Kings” protest.

“We want to make sure that we’re drawing attention to the cause of making sure that ICE fully aware that we don’t need them here,” Saucedo said. “They’re not welcome in Chicago.”

Planning to attend Saturday’s protest, Saucedo and his wife came to this Brighton Park Art Studio to make signs today. ..With the help of his friend musician Samantha Rose, Mural Artist Holiday Gerry opened his studio up today to the public…They provided free supplies to make No Kings signs….

“A lot of people are talking about it, and people are really going to be showing up,” said Holiday Gerry with Holiday Studios. “And I wanted to extend this community space for people to get to know each other.”

“Authoritarianism wins when we decide we’re too scared to show up and defend our Constitution and our fundamental rights,” Personal PAC CEO and protest organizer Sarah Garza Resnick said. “It is going to be peaceful tomorrow. We are peaceful people who just believe in standing up for what is right.”

Garza Resnick’s organization Personal PAC is one of several organizations behind Chicago’s “No Kings” event. President Donald Trump and his administration have painted protest participants as left wing violent radical groups who are getting paid.

“This is their tactic,” Garza Resnick said. “Nobody is getting paid out there. I’m a mom.”

Promising a peaceful event, Resnick expects people from all walks of life to participate.

Armed with a speaker and bullhorn, Samantha Rose says the protest will be a family affair. She is bringing her dad and her friends are bringing their kids. Rose does not view it as a partisan event.

“The political party is Americans for America, speaking up and using our right freedom of speech,” Rose said. “That’s what being American is.”