As another evening of protests and clashes at the ICE processing facility in suburban Broadview wrapped up on Friday, Chicago was preparing for a massive “No Kings” demonstration over the weekend.
Protesters are expected Saturday in thousands of places around the United States, including in the downtown area, in opposition to what some are characterizing as increasingly authoritarian practices by President Donald Trump.
A judge prevented, for at least two weeks, the deployment of National Guard members to assist immigration enforcement.
Meantime, Trump asked the nation’s highest court to allow the deployment of the National Guard in Illinois.
Federal courts blocked troops, saying there’s clearly no rebellion that would require the military. But on Friday, the Trump administration went to the Supreme Court, as protests picked up steam.
In Broadview, anti-ICE demonstrations continued throughout the day.
One protester, who wore an inflatable dinosaur costume, said her outfit sends “a very clear message.”
“I’m a peaceful protester meeting an absurd situation with an equally absurd response,” the protester named Sue said.
A total of 15 people were arrested, all for resisting, obstruction and disobeying a police officer, according to law enforcement.
By nightfall — state and local police cleared the crowd.
While the situation was tense, no tear gas was deployed.
Federal courts said protests have been handled by local and state police, with no need for the military.
But homeland security called the situation a riot and mob violence.
As Trump goes to the Supreme Court, thousands more will protest tomorrow.
“No Kings” rallies are expected to take place nationwide, including in the downtown area and across the Chicago suburbs.
“What the government is doing is wrongful on so many levels,” said Robert Held, who plans to attend a “No Kings” protest. “These people are inciting fears and fomenting a horrible attack on the constitution, which is terrible.”
The protests come as the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown in the Chicago area, “Operation Midway Blitz,” approaches 2,000 arrests.
Federal agents have extended their stay through December.
Multiple pro-ICE demonstrators gathered in the Loop on Friday, expressing their First Amendment rights too.
“Let them happen,” said Emily Cahill, an ICE supporter. “Everyone has a right to peacefully protest and assemble. As an American, we do it respectfully.”
For now, members of the Texas National Guard who were brought to Illinois, will remain at a suburban army base, not deployed.
It’s unclear if the Supreme Court will decide to hear the appeal.