Chicago Protest Turns Chaotic Driver Plows Into Crowd!

Car Plows Through Chicago Protest: Thousands Rally Against ICE

Chicago witnessed a dramatic scene on Tuesday as a car drove through a crowd of protesters in the Loop, leaving at least one pedestrian injured. The incident occurred amidst a large-scale demonstration against the Trump administration's ongoing immigration raids, mirroring similar protests that have erupted across the nation.

The driver, whose identity remains undisclosed as of late Tuesday night, found herself caught between police vehicles on State Street. According to reports, officers attempted to guide her away from the throng of demonstrators, instructing her to turn right onto Monroe Street. However, the driver allegedly disregarded these instructions, making a left turn and accelerating into the crowd.

One officer reportedly made a desperate attempt to halt the vehicle, grabbing at the driver's-side door handle, but to no avail. The car continued its course, ultimately striking a woman who fell to the ground. Fellow protesters immediately rushed to her aid. It remains unclear whether she or anyone else involved required hospitalization.

The Chicago Police Department has yet to release details about the driver or the circumstances surrounding the incident, leaving many questions unanswered.

The demonstration itself was a confluence of two separate protests against recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrests. The two groups converged into a massive display of solidarity, adding to the growing chorus of voices speaking out in support of immigrant communities.

While the majority of the protest remained peaceful, there were reports of skirmishes between police and protesters. Officers, some wielding batons, attempted to maintain order, leading to tense confrontations.

During one such clash near Washington and State, protesters could be heard chanting "no violence" and "let him go" as officers detained a man wearing a bicycle helmet. The exact number of arrests made throughout the day is still unknown.

The protests are a direct response to President Donald Trump's prolonged campaign against immigration, which has seen a surge in the number of daily arrests mandated for immigration officers.

The initial demonstration, comprising several hundred individuals, began outside immigration court at 50 E. Adams St., before proceeding to Federal Plaza at 230 S. Dearborn St., where it merged with a larger contingent of protesters.

Thousands marched through the Loop, causing significant disruptions to public transportation, including CTA bus services. The sheer volume of protesters even brought traffic to a standstill on DuSable Lake Shore Drive near Grant Park as demonstrators crossed the thoroughfare.

Ivanna Vidal, a first-generation citizen, was moved to join the protest after witnessing it while leaving her downtown workplace. "I'm a first-generation citizen, my parents were born in Mexico. It's something I'm super-passionate about," said Vidal, 19, of West Lawn.

Demonstrators carried signs with powerful messages, including "Abolish ICE" and "No human is Illegal."

Similarly, Lizbeth Rios of Gage Park joined the demonstration to advocate for immigrants in Chicago, including her undocumented mother. “She doesn’t have status, but I do, and if I don’t speak up for her, who will?” said Rios, 25.

Mariana Gonzalez, 16, echoed these sentiments, saying, “I thought the raids would stop, but they’re just getting worse. My parents are immigrants from Mexico and they can’t be [out here], but we can.”

The Chicago protests also served as a show of solidarity with ongoing demonstrations in Los Angeles. These L.A. protests have intensified following the deployment of National Guard troops to the city.

On Tuesday, California Governor Gavin Newsom requested a federal court to block the Trump administration's use of the National Guard and Marines for immigration raids in Los Angeles.

Looking ahead, advocacy organizations like Indivisible Chicago are organizing a mass "No Kings Day of Defiance" protest at noon on Saturday. This protest is intended to counter President Trump's planned military parade.

The events in Chicago, along with the nationwide demonstrations, underscore the deep divisions and passionate debates surrounding immigration policy in the United States. The incident involving the car plowing through protesters serves as a stark reminder of the heightened tensions and the urgent need for constructive dialogue and peaceful solutions.

Key Takeaways:

• A car plowed through a protest in Chicago's Loop, injuring at least one person.
• Thousands participated in the demonstration against immigration raids.
• The protests mirrored similar actions in Los Angeles and across the country.
• Advocacy groups are planning further demonstrations.

The resilience and determination of the protesters, coupled with the ongoing legal challenges and planned demonstrations, suggest that the fight for immigrant rights will continue to be a central issue in the national conversation.

Tags: Chicago protest, Immigration raids, Trump administration, Driver incident, State Street, Pedestrian hit, Police investigation, Loop incident, ICE arrests, Chicago news

Source: https://chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/2025/06/10/thousands-rally-downtown-immigration-protests