CHICAGO — On Saturday, the organizers of the “No Kings” protest anticipate drawing tens of thousands of participants from both suburban and urban areas to a peaceful demonstration set to commence at Butler Field in Chicago’s Grant Park.
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With a sense of urgency, protester Alex Saucedo prepares for the event, crafting a sign that reads, “Democracy dies in silence.” His message is etched in red paint on a white poster board, encapsulating the sentiment behind the Chicago protest.
“Our goal is to make it clear that ICE is not needed here,” Saucedo emphasized. “They are not welcome in Chicago.” His words reflect the core mission of the protest, aiming to spotlight the organization’s presence and influence.
In preparation for the event, Saucedo and his wife visited an art studio in Brighton Park to create their protest signs. Mural Artist Holiday Gerry, with the help of his musician friend Samantha Rose, opened the doors of Holiday Studios to the public, offering free materials for anyone wanting to make “No Kings” signs.
“There’s a lot of buzz, and people are definitely going to show up,” said Gerry. “I wanted to provide a space where the community could come together and connect.” This gesture reinforces the community-driven spirit of the protest, fostering an environment for shared expression and solidarity.
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Chicago is one of dozens of cities nationwide holding “No Kings” protests Saturday. Because of the recent ICE arrests in the Chicago area, organizers are expecting a much bigger crowd than the previous “No Kings” rally held in June.
“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, Garza 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.”
After a two-hour program beginning at noon in Grant Park on Saturday, protesters will then march through downtown. The Chicago Police Department says it will have extra resources throughout the Loop.
