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
Early polls show Trump and GOP taking more blame than Democrats for shutdown

Early Polls Indicate Increased Blame on Trump and GOP Over Democrats for Shutdown

WASHINGTON — The U.S. government is shut down, and Americans are more…
Guilt-ridden Diddy admits he 'would be better off dead'

Tormented Diddy confesses he feels ‘better off dead’

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has shared that he once thought he would be…
Missing sisters found alive 36 years after their mom's unsolved murder

Sisters Discovered Alive 36 Years After Their Mother’s Unsolved Murder

An unknown woman was discovered dead, unclothed and stabbed, in the Arizona…
Lori Loughlin SPLITS from Mossimo Giannulli after 28-year marriage

Lori Loughlin and Mossimo Giannulli End 28-Year Marriage

Lori Loughlin has split from husband Mossimo Giannulli after a 28-year marriage. Loughlin’s…

Taylor Swift Releases Bold New Song Inspired by Travis Kelce

Taylor Swift released her raunchiest song yet with her track Wood from…
New Hampshire teen who killed sister-in-law and nephews could get 97 years in prison

New Hampshire Teenager Faces Up to 97 Years in Prison for Killing Sister-in-Law and Nephews

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — A young man from New Hampshire who was…
Unsolved home invasion mirrors Idaho student murders just miles away in Washington state

Idaho judge calls Bryan Kohberger murder scene pictures ‘incredibly disturbing,’ blocks release

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! A judge in Idaho…
All the songs about fiancé Travis Kelce

Every Song Inspired by Fiancé Travis Kelce

“The Life of a Showgirl” is officially here! Taylor Swift’s 12th studio…