Key Takeaways
• On June 10, 2025, thousands protested ICE actions and Trump immigration policies in downtown Chicago.
• Police managed traffic and made arrests during mostly peaceful protests, with temporary CTA bus suspensions.
• The protest included diverse participants demanding immigrant rights and opposing federal immigration crackdowns.
Thousands March in Chicago Against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Actions
On Tuesday, June 10, 2025, downtown Chicago became the center of one of the largest immigration protests in recent years. Thousands of protesters filled the streets, voicing their anger at recent actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Trump administration’s immigration policies. The demonstration was not an isolated event but part of a nationwide movement, with similar protests taking place in Los Angeles and other major cities. The march in Chicago stood out for its size, energy, and the diversity of people who joined together to demand change.
What Happened: The Protest Unfolds
The protest began in the early afternoon at Federal Plaza, a well-known gathering spot for political demonstrations in Chicago. By 5:30 PM, the crowd had grown from a few hundred to thousands. People of all ages and backgrounds came together, many carrying signs in both English and Spanish. The campaign, called “From LA to Chicago: ICE Out!”, was organized in response to a series of recent immigration enforcement actions and federal crackdowns.
As the evening went on, the protest grew even larger. Protesters beat drums, chanted slogans like “Revolution!” and “The People say ICE out of Chicago,” and began marching north on Dearborn Street. Their chants included strong messages such as “No justice, no peace!” and calls for ICE to leave Chicago. By 6:15 PM, the demonstration had swelled to tens of thousands, moving east across the Jackson Boulevard Bridge toward Grant Park.
The march was not without incident. Around 6:15 PM, a woman in a burgundy car sped through the crowd at Wabash and Monroe. Thankfully, police reported that no one was hurt. By 6:30 PM, the crowd reached Grant Park and then moved onto DuSable Lake Shore Drive. At about 7:15 PM, protesters crossed the Dearborn Street Bridge into the River North neighborhood before changing direction and heading south on Clark Street. As night fell, police blocked off many bridges, guiding the marchers toward Daley Plaza, where some climbed the Picasso statue and waved Mexican flags.
Police Response and Public Safety Measures
The Chicago Police Department played a major role in managing the protest. Officers were present throughout the demonstration, working to keep the peace and manage traffic. Police initially blocked protesters from moving east on Adams Street but later allowed them to continue toward the Art Institute. Officers guided the marchers through downtown, trying to balance the right to protest with the need to keep the city running smoothly.
There were some confrontations between protesters and police. According to police spokesman Tom Ahern, arrests were made during the event. At least three people were taken into custody after a brief clash at Madison and Wabash. The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) temporarily stopped bus service in the Loop, and other buses in the area faced major delays. City officials even placed plows and Streets and Sanitation trucks on some downtown streets, including Wacker Drive, to help control the flow of people and vehicles.
Chicago police drew on their experience from the 2024 Democratic National Convention, promising to protect people’s First Amendment rights while not tolerating violence. Their goal was to allow peaceful protest while preventing any harm to people or property.
Why People Protested: The Motivations Behind the March
The protests in Chicago were sparked by recent actions from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Trump administration. In the days leading up to the march, ICE had carried out several arrests in Chicago, including detaining multiple people at an immigration facility in the South Loop. These actions were part of what organizers called “an aggressive federal crackdown on immigrants.”
Protesters also expressed solidarity with people in Los Angeles, where President Trump had sent National Guard troops and Marines to respond to protests after ICE raids. Many in Chicago saw these moves as a threat to basic rights and freedoms.
U.S. Representative Jesús “Chuy” García, who spoke at a rally the day before at Daley Plaza, called the recent raids “cruelty with intent.” President Trump, speaking from the Oval Office on Tuesday, warned that protests in other cities would be “met with equal or greater force,” referring to the military presence in Los Angeles.
For many protesters, the issue was personal. Some were children of immigrants or undocumented themselves. Others joined out of concern for their neighbors and friends. They carried signs with messages like “The People say ICE out” and “The People say ICE out of Chicago.” Some waved Mexican flags, while others displayed Palestinian flags or wore keffiyehs to show support for the pro-Palestinian cause.
Military veteran Esteban Burgoa, who was born in Mexico and has lived in Chicago for forty years, said, “I do not agree with the mobilization of the military against its own people.” Nicole Foree, who joined the protest after her workplace closed early, said, “People’s rights are being stolen from them. We all deserve basic human rights, and this is unacceptable.” Timothy Edward, another protester, explained, “We don’t think what’s happening is just, and personally, I’m against my government using my tax dollars to fund genocide, as well as ICE going into people’s homes without warrants.”
The Broader Context: Immigration Policy and Public Reaction
The protest in Chicago was not a one-time event. It was part of a larger movement against the Trump administration’s immigration policies. The day before the big march, immigrant rights leaders, labor organizers, and elected officials gathered at Daley Plaza to speak out against President Trump’s latest immigration proposals, including a recently enacted travel ban.
Earlier on Tuesday, about 20 people demonstrated downtown, carrying signs and raising concerns about immigration enforcement in schools and neighborhoods. That evening, while the main protest was happening, the City of Chicago’s Committee on Immigrant and Refugee Rights held a Spanish-language information session at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Parish in Albany Park. The session aimed to help people understand their rights and prepare for possible increased ICE activity.
These events followed the May Day protests on May 1, 2025, which also brought thousands to the streets of Chicago to protest policies affecting immigrants and workers. The ongoing demonstrations show that immigration remains a deeply important and emotional issue for many people in Chicago and across the United States 🇺🇸.
Who Joined the Protest? A Diverse Coalition
One of the most striking features of the Chicago protest was the diversity of the crowd. People from many backgrounds came together, united by a common cause. Some were immigrants themselves, while others were children or grandchildren of immigrants. Many carried signs in both English and Spanish, making it clear that the issue affects people from many communities.
Some protesters waved Mexican flags, while others showed support for other causes, such as Palestinian rights. The presence of military veterans, students, workers, and families showed that concern about immigration policy cuts across many parts of society.
The protest also drew people who had not planned to attend but were moved by the events of the day. For example, Nicole Foree joined after her downtown workplace closed due to the protest. She said she felt it was important to stand up for basic human rights.
How the Protest Was Organized and Managed
The protest was carefully organized by a coalition of immigrant rights groups and community organizations. The campaign “From LA to Chicago: ICE Out!” brought together people from across the city and beyond. Organizers used social media, word of mouth, and community networks to spread the word and encourage people to join.
Police worked closely with organizers to manage the march and keep people safe. Officers blocked off streets, redirected traffic, and tried to prevent any violence or property damage. The city also took steps to prepare for the large crowd, including placing city vehicles on key streets and suspending some public transportation services.
Despite some tense moments, the protest remained mostly peaceful. Police made a few arrests, but there were no major injuries or property damage reported. The Chicago Police Department said it would release a full report on arrests and incidents the following day.
The Impact on Chicago and Beyond
The protest had a major impact on Chicago, both in terms of traffic and public attention. The large crowd caused significant delays for drivers and public transportation users. The CTA suspended bus service in the Loop, and other buses faced long delays. City officials had to act quickly to manage the flow of people and vehicles.
But the impact went beyond traffic. The protest drew national attention to the issue of immigration enforcement and the Trump administration’s policies. It showed that many people in Chicago and across the United States 🇺🇸 are willing to take to the streets to demand change.
The demonstration also sent a message to policymakers. Organizers said the protest was part of a week of immigrant-focused events across the Midwest. A hearing was scheduled for Tuesday, June 10, for Wisconsin resident Ramon Morales Reyes, who advocates said was falsely accused by ICE. A congressional hearing was planned for Thursday, June 12, where Illinois Governor JB Pritzker was expected to testify about the Illinois TRUST Act, a law that limits local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
Another protest, called “No Kings,” was planned for Saturday, June 14, showing that the movement is likely to continue.
What Does This Mean for Immigrants and Their Families?
For immigrants and their families, the protest in Chicago was both a show of support and a source of hope. Many people feel threatened by recent immigration enforcement actions and fear for their safety and the safety of their loved ones. The large turnout sent a clear message that they are not alone and that many people stand with them.
The protest also highlighted the importance of knowing your rights. At the same time as the march, the City of Chicago’s Committee on Immigrant and Refugee Rights held an information session to help people understand what to do if approached by ICE. This kind of practical support is critical for immigrants who may face legal challenges or fear deportation.
For more information about your rights during encounters with immigration authorities, you can visit the official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) “Know Your Rights” page.
The Role of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is the federal agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws in the United States 🇺🇸. ICE conducts raids, detains people suspected of being in the country without legal status, and works with local law enforcement agencies. Many protesters in Chicago and other cities believe that ICE’s actions are too aggressive and target vulnerable communities.
The Trump administration has supported strong enforcement measures, including deploying federal agents and, in some cases, military personnel to respond to protests and carry out immigration raids. These actions have sparked widespread debate about the balance between national security and individual rights.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the growing number of protests and public demonstrations shows that many Americans are deeply concerned about the direction of immigration policy. The debate is likely to continue as new policies are proposed and enforced.
What Comes Next? The Future of Immigration Protests
The protest in Chicago is part of a larger movement that is likely to continue in the coming weeks and months. Organizers have planned more events, including rallies, hearings, and community meetings. The goal is to keep pressure on policymakers and raise awareness about the impact of immigration enforcement on families and communities.
For immigrants, advocates, and supporters, the message is clear: stay informed, know your rights, and continue to speak out. The events in Chicago show that public protest can draw attention to important issues and bring people together in support of change.
Practical Guidance for Immigrants and Supporters
If you or someone you know is concerned about immigration enforcement, here are some practical steps you can take:
- Know your rights: Learn what to do if approached by ICE or other law enforcement officers. You have the right to remain silent and to ask for a lawyer.
- Stay informed: Follow updates from trusted sources, such as community organizations and official government websites.
- Attend information sessions: Many cities, including Chicago, offer workshops and meetings to help immigrants understand their rights and prepare for possible encounters with ICE.
- Connect with support networks: Reach out to local immigrant rights groups, legal aid organizations, and community centers for help and advice.
- Document incidents: If you witness or experience an immigration raid or enforcement action, write down what happened and share the information with trusted organizations.
For official information about immigration forms, such as the Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website.
Conclusion: A City United for Change
The massive protest in Chicago on June 10, 2025, was a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of immigrant communities and their allies. People from all walks of life came together to demand fair treatment and respect for basic rights. While the debate over immigration policy continues, the events in Chicago show that the voices of protesters can shape the conversation and push for a more just and humane approach.
As the movement grows, it is important for everyone—immigrants, citizens, and policymakers alike—to stay informed, support one another, and work toward solutions that protect families and uphold the values of fairness and dignity for all.
Learn Today
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) → Federal agency enforcing immigration laws, conducting raids and detentions within the US.
Federal Plaza → A central public square in Chicago commonly used for political rallies and demonstrations.
CTA → Chicago Transit Authority, managing public transportation, temporarily suspended bus services during protests.
Daley Plaza → Chicago city plaza known for public gatherings, protests, and political events.
First Amendment rights → Constitutional rights protecting freedom of speech, assembly, and peaceful protest.
This Article in a Nutshell
Thousands rallied in Chicago June 10, 2025, protesting ICE raids and Trump policies. The vibrant, diverse crowd demanded immigrant rights amid strong police presence, arrests, and traffic disruptions, highlighting a nationwide immigrant rights movement seeking justice and policy reform in the face of federal enforcement actions.
— By VisaVerge.com
