CHICAGO (WLS) — Organizers behind the “No Kings” movement anticipate a large turnout this Saturday as tens of thousands from both suburban and urban areas of Chicago plan to converge for a peaceful demonstration. The event is set to kick off at Butler Field in Grant Park.
Chicago joins a host of other cities across the United States in hosting “No Kings” protests on the same day.
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This protest aligns with ongoing gatherings near the Broadview Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility, where participants have been advocating for reforms in immigration enforcement policies.
Recent ICE activities in the Chicago area have prompted organizers to predict a significantly larger attendance than the previous “No Kings” event that took place in June.
The event will commence in Grant Park with a two-hour program starting at noon, followed by a march through downtown Chicago. The Chicago Police Department has announced plans to deploy additional resources throughout the Loop to ensure safety.
Protester Alex Saucedo is preparing for the demonstration by crafting a sign on white poster board with red paint, bearing the message, “Democracy dies in silence,” as a powerful statement for the Chicago “No Kings” protest.
“We want to make sure that we’re drawing attention to the cause of making sure that ICE fully aware that we don’t need them here,” Saucedo said. “They’re not welcome in Chicago.”
Planning to attend Saturday’s protest, Saucedo and his wife came to this Brighton Park Art Studio to make signs today. ..With the help of his friend musician Samantha Rose, Mural Artist Holiday Gerry opened his studio up today to the public…They provided free supplies to make No Kings signs….
“A lot of people are talking about it, and people are really going to be showing up,” said Holiday Gerry with Holiday Studios. “And I wanted to extend this community space for people to get to know each other.”
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“Authoritarianism wins when we decide we’re too scared to show up and defend our Constitution and our fundamental rights,” Personal PAC CEO and protest organizer Sarah Garza Resnick said. “It is going to be peaceful tomorrow. We are peaceful people who just believe in standing up for what is right.”
Garza Resnick’s organization Personal PAC is one of several organizations behind Chicago’s “No Kings” event. President Donald Trump and his administration have painted protest participants as left wing violent radical groups who are getting paid.
“This is their tactic,” Garza Resnick said. “Nobody is getting paid out there. I’m a mom.”
Promising a peaceful event, Resnick expects people from all walks of life to participate.
Armed with a speaker and bullhorn, Samantha Rose says the protest will be a family affair. She is bringing her dad and her friends are bringing their kids. Rose does not view it as a partisan event.
“The political party is Americans for America, speaking up and using our right freedom of speech,” Rose said. “That’s what being American is.”
