CHICAGO (WGN) A large protest in downtown Chicago Tuesday evening drew hundreds of demonstrators in response to the recent presence of ICE and federal agents in the city and suburbs.

Protesters filled part of a westbound lane on Wacker Drive near Michigan Avenue. Organizers include the Chicago Teachers Union, the Coalition Against the Trump Agenda, and United Working Families, who say the gathering was a direct response to the Trump administration’s deployment of federal agents to Chicago in recent weeks.

“I’m aghast about what is happening with immigrants and the way they’re being treated, being arrested without warrants. People not knowing what is happening to their loved ones, guns drawn. I’m horrified. That’s not America,” protester Teresa Exner said.

The protest comes as President Donald Trump announced federal troops would soon be sent to Chicago. ICE has also requested 100 National Guard troops to help manage demonstrations that have turned physical in recent weeks.

Federal officials say the ongoing enforcement effort, dubbed Operation Midway Blitz, is targeting what they call “the worst of the worst” undocumented immigrants in the name of public safety.

“Wake up! This is really serious,” protester Rosemarie Pinkos said. “I’ve lived to this age, and I can’t believe it. I never knew it would come in our country.”

In a social media post, Greg Bovino, Commander at Large of the U.S. Border Patrol, said:

“TO THE BOATS! Swift in, execute mission, swift out. We will use every resource and tactic to put those who violate our laws on notice that we are coming for you!”

“I urge Illinoisans, don’t take the bait. There is no emergency in Chicago. Don’t help him create one,” Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul said.

While Trump did not give a specific timeline for the National Guard’s arrival, he said it would be “soon.” Demonstrators in downtown Chicago say they plan to remain in the streets for hours.