What we know about the upcoming ‘No Kings’ protest in Chicago

Advocacy groups, including Indivisible Chicago and the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois, are planning a “Hands off Chicago” protest Saturday noon at Grant Park following President Donald Trump’s aggressive deportation campaign that has sent federal agents across the city and suburbs.

The rally is a part of a “nationwide day of defiance.” Major protests are slated for New York City, Washington, DC, Atlanta and San Francisco.

“As ICE continues to occupy our streets and attack our neighbors, they are making all of us less safe,” said Indivisible Chicago Chair Kathy Tholin. “We have the opportunity to specifically speak out against the invasion of Chicago, in addition to ways the administration is attacking our workers, our democracy and our country.”

Organizers said the protest is expected to draw tens of thousands Downtown.

Republican leaders have leveled harsh criticism against the rallies. Speaking to reporters Wednesday, House Speaker Mike Johnson branded the event a “Hate America Rally.”

What is “No Kings,” and who organized it?

Dozens of local advocacy groups, including the Chicago Federation of Labor and Sierra Club Illinois, organized the Downtown Chicago rally as a part of the second nationwide “No Kings” protest.

The “No Kings” theme was originally conceived by 50501, which stands for “50 protests, 50 states, one movement.” The group has orchestrated a series of demonstrations in Chicago.

Saturday’s protests come after demonstrations have taken place there Broadview’s ICE facility, Downtown and others sites of ICE activities. Some protests were met with an aggressive response from federal officers, who used tear gas and other crowd control tactics.

What’s the plan for Saturday’s Downtown protest?

Organizers for Saturday’s protest said it is meant to push back against the “immoral and illegal acts” the Trump administration has taken.

Tholin said “the eyes of the nation will be on Chicago” as protesters push back against not only immigration enforcement in the city but also other “un-American and anti-democratic” actions of the Trump administration.

She urged those who are privileged not to feel targeted by federal immigration officers to show up in support of the city’s immigrants and other vulnerable communities.

The rally at Grant Park’s Butler Field will feature elected officials and leaders from community and advocacy groups, followed by a march. The route of the march was not immediately made public.

How will Saturday’s protest compare to June’s?

The first “No Kings” protest on June 14 was meant to counter a military parade in Washington to mark the Army’s 250th anniversary and Trump’s 79th birthday. According to estimates, it drew 15,000 to Downtown Chicago and more to its suburbs.

Tholin said she expects the Downtown attendance Saturday to match or exceed the June protest. Along with the more than 2,000 events planned across the country, she said Saturday could be the largest single day of protest in US history.

Madeline Townsend, a board member of the National Lawyers Guild of Chicago, said the group does not expect an aggressive response from Chicago police or federal agencies to the Downtown rally.

Townsend said the group will still have legal observers at that protest and smaller events across the region. She advised participants to learn about their rights and legal protections before this weekend, in case they come in contact with law enforcement officers.

What other protests are happening in the area?

Aside from the main rally Downtown, “No Kings” protests will be held across Chicago and its suburbs, according to the event’s websitewhich has a map of all protest events.

Here are where some protests are planned in the Chicago area:

Downtown Chicago
Noon-2 pm
Butler Field at Grant Park
East Jackson Drive & South Columbus Drive

Logan Square family-friendly send-off
9:30 -11 am
Unity Park
2636 N. Kimball Ave.

Lincoln Park family-friendly send-off
10 -11:30 am
Oz Park
Lincoln & Webster avenues
Chicago, IL 60614

Lake View
1-2 p.m
Sidewalk in front of the Nettelhorst Playground
3290 N. Broadway

Evanston
10:30 am-noon
Fountain Square
1601 Sherman Ave.

Oak Park
11 am-1 pm
Lake Street & Oak Park Avenue

Arlington Heights
3-5 p.m
Recreation Park Soccer Field
500 E. Miner St.