Illinois

Chicago Protestors March Against Increased ‍ICE Operations

CHICAGO (CBS News) – Hundreds of protestors took​ to⁣ the streets of downtown Chicago Tuesday, demonstrating against recent Immigration ​adn ‌Customs Enforcement⁣ (ICE) operations ⁢and⁣ President Donald Trump‘s‍ immigration policies. The rally and march,organized by groups including the U.S. Palestinian Community network and⁣ the Immigrants’ Rights Working Commitee, aimed to both acknowledge the ‌increased ICE presence in‍ the city and ‍educate immigrant communities about⁣ thier rights.

The exhibition comes as ICE has intensified enforcement efforts ⁣in Chicago,sparking fear‍ and frustration⁢ among residents. While city officials report a decrease ⁣in crime, protestors argue the federal government’s actions are creating a climate of ‍fear and tearing families apart. This ‍protest followed a similar demonstration⁣ held ⁤on saturday, but organizers felt a renewed rally⁣ was necesary with ICE operations already ⁤underway.

“Before, there was only the looming threat of the federal government ⁤coming over here and ⁤carrying ICE raids. Now ‌we’ve seen the‌ actuality of it and we’ve⁣ seen ⁤families being torn apart,” ⁢said Omar Flores with the Immigrants’ Rights ​Working Committee.

The ⁣march began outside‌ Grant Park and​ proceeded⁢ past Trump Tower,‌ circling the Loop before returning down State Street and passing ​the ICE​ Chicago field ​office on Ida B Wells. Protestors voiced strong opposition to the President’s policies.

“I’m incensed by what the president ‌of the‍ United States ⁤is doing‍ to our city and our country,” ⁢stated Nancy Green, ⁤a protest ⁢participant.

Organizers reported ​success in ‍their “rapid response” efforts, providing facts about ‌rights to those affected by the ICE⁢ operations. Husam Marajda, a member of the U.S.‌ Palestinian Community Network, suggested the President’s actions are politically motivated. “He ​did the same thing in L.A.⁣ and ⁣D.C., but Chicago is different, and we’re going to hold it⁤ together and show a lot ‍of resistance,” ​Marajda said.

Ana Guajardo ‍with Workers Center emphasized the real-world impact of the operations, stating, “We have seen it ⁤in ​the Southeast Side of Chicago ​and the south suburbs.”

Organizers have pledged to continue holding rallies and marches as long as president Trump continues to target ‍Chicago‍ with‍ increased ‌enforcement.