Thousands of protesters packed the streets near downtown Chicago on Monday, chanting and waving signs in opposition to President Donald Trump’s threats to flood the city with National Guard troops and federal immigration agents. The demonstration, part of a nationwide “Workers over Billionaires” Labor Day protest, took on a uniquely pointed tone as Chicago residents specifically rallied against the promised federal deployment, which Trump has already initiated in other Democrat-run cities like Los Angeles and Washington D.C.
Mayor Brandon Johnson addressed the crowd, vowing that Chicago would resist federal encroachment. “This is the city that will defend the country,” he declared, a statement met with loud cheers from protesters waving Chicago flags. As the march wound through the city, diners at outdoor cafes and passing motorists showed their support with raised fists and honking horns. Organizers estimated the crowd size to be between 5,000 and 10,000 people.
Protesters expressed deep concern that the arrival of additional ICE agents and the National Guard would lead to violence and fear within their communities. “Do we feel there’s gonna be trouble? Yes,” said 72-year-old Filiberto Ramirez, adding, “I hope nobody gets hurt.” Many attendees, while acknowledging the city’s crime issues, argued that a military presence was not the solution. “There is a crime problem,” said Yvonne Spears, 67, “but the National Guard is supposed to fight for us, not against us.”
In preparation for a potential deployment, city and state leaders have readied a robust defense. Mayor Johnson signed an executive order on Saturday prohibiting Chicago police from collaborating with federal agents or National Guard troops. Legal experts have stated such a deployment would likely violate the U.S. Constitution, and the city is prepared to challenge it with a slew of lawsuits. Simultaneously, immigrant rights groups are fortifying their defenses by hiring more attorneys and expanding “know your rights” training, reinforcing Chicago’s identity as a proud sanctuary city.
