Chicago: On a bitterly cold Monday morning, hundreds of folks gathered in Downtown Chicago to protest Donald Trump’s inauguration. The temperature was in the single digits, but that didn’t stop them from making their voices heard.
They met at Federal Plaza around 10:30 a.m., where speakers from various progressive groups took turns criticizing Trump. This was the first indoor inauguration since Reagan, and many were not happy about it.
As the clock struck noon, the crowd marched up State Street, heading toward the Trump Tower across the river. While Trump was cozy in D.C., these protesters braved the cold, with temperatures dropping to 4 degrees and wind chills hitting minus 20.
Organizers from the Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Oppression and the US Palestinian Community Network handed out hand warmers to keep spirits up. People bundled up in layers, their breath visible in the frigid air.
Barry Haywood, an Amazon Teamsters organizer, shared how he was layered up and ready to protest no matter the weather. He said, “It’s important to come out and protest the Trump administration. I’d be here rain or shine.”
The cold was so intense that one protester trying to light an American flag ended up struggling with multiple lighters. A police sergeant quickly intervened, leading to a brief scuffle.
Chants of “F— Donald Trump!” echoed through the plaza as speakers highlighted the serious issues marginalized communities might face under his leadership. Diane Castro from the Chicago Teachers Union reminded everyone that Chicagoans are tough and united, emphasizing their fight for rights that matter.
This protest followed a tense weekend, with reports that Trump’s “border czar” was planning to send ICE officers to Chicago right after the inauguration. Although Homan later denied those reports, the tension was palpable.
As the crowd chanted “¡Sí se puede!” they listened to speakers address various issues, from immigrant rights to unionization. Nadiah Alyafai from the US Palestinian Community Network stressed the need to defend rights across the board.
Police monitored the unpermitted march, which was guided by a truck blasting rallying cries. Despite not having a permit, the event was described as a “public gathering” by the police.
The march wrapped up peacefully across the river from Trump Tower, with speakers finishing their remarks and the crowd dispersing after a chilly but spirited day of protest.
