CHICAGO — Hundreds rallied against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement across the Chicago region Saturday. Protests responded to recent fatal shootings by federal agents. Demonstrators called for ICE to leave communities.
The White House claims agents acted in self-defense. Crowds gathered in west suburbs like Forest Park and Berwyn, plus Chicago, South Elgin, and North Chicago. They honored victims and decried government actions.
Key Protest Moments
About 100 braved cold weather on Roosevelt Road in Forest Park. Organizer Walter Mitchell Jr. said, “It’s our country, our democracy—we must defend it.” Berwyn’s Jim Topczewski compared it to Kent State, urging more turnout.
Protesters linked two deaths: Minneapolis mother-of-three Good, killed recently, and Keith Porter Jr., a Black father shot New Year’s Eve in Los Angeles by an off-duty ICE agent. Homeland Security says Porter was an active shooter and Good used her car as a weapon. Witnesses dispute this.
Voices from the Crowd
Forest Park’s Louise Brueggemann criticized Trump for warning Iran on protesters while agents act here. Liz Miranda said it affects everyone, not just immigrants. A penguin-costumed woman called it “fascism” and fear-inducing.
Groups like The People’s Post Alliance planned the “ICE Out For Food” weekend. Barbara Etchingham vowed to keep fighting the “climate of fear and cruelty.” Organizers promise more actions ahead.
