WORLD NEWS FOR MONTENEGRO DIASPORA
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Chicago, Illinois — October 18, 2025
Downtown Chicago became the center of a massive demonstration on Saturday as tens of thousands of people joined the “No Kings” protest, part of a nationwide movement opposing what participants describe as growing authoritarianism under President Donald Trump.
Crowds began gathering in Grant Park before noon, with estimates placing attendance between 100,000 and 250,000 throughout the day. Marchers filled Michigan Avenue and the Loop, holding banners that read “No Kings” and “Hands Off Chicago.”
Strong Message From City Leaders
The rally featured several city officials and community organizers who called for protecting civil rights and local control amid increased federal activity in the city.
Mayor Brandon Johnson addressed demonstrators, vowing that Chicago would remain a city of resistance and independence.
“We will not bend, bow, or cower,” Johnson said. “Chicago belongs to its people — not to those who try to rule by fear.”
Speeches focused on opposing recent federal immigration raids, tighter enforcement measures, and the deployment of ICE agents across Chicago neighborhoods.
Peaceful but Widespread Demonstrations
Following the rally, demonstrators marched peacefully through the downtown area. The march spanned several miles, closing parts of Michigan Avenue and Columbus Drive for most of the afternoon.
Chicago Police confirmed no major incidents or arrests were reported. Officers monitored the event from key intersections, and the city’s emergency management office coordinated street closures to maintain safety.
Legal and Political Context
The protest followed a federal court order earlier this week that requires immigration agents in Chicago to wear body cameras and file detailed operational justifications before deploying for crowd-control missions. The ruling came amid rising tension between city officials and federal authorities over immigration enforcement and local autonomy.
The “No Kings” movement has grown nationwide, with similar demonstrations in New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and other major cities. Analysts say the protests reflect a surge in civic mobilization ahead of the 2026 midterm elections and may influence the political climate in urban centers across the United States.
Chicago’s turnout, among the largest in the country, underscored the city’s deep-rooted tradition of activism and its continuing role in shaping the national conversation on democracy, freedom, and federal power.
Author: M.J
