Tensions surrounding federal immigration enforcement escalated in Chicago Tuesday night when a vehicle drove through a crowd of anti-ICE demonstrators in the city’s downtown, amid a wave of nationwide protests following mass raids in Los Angeles.
The incident occurred at the intersection of Wabash and Monroe, where a crowd had gathered as part of the “From LA to Chicago: ICE Out!” demonstration campaign. Video footage from FOX 32 Chicago shows what appeared to be a female driver advancing through the group as protesters walked with signs and bicycles.
A Chicago police officer attempted to stop the vehicle by striking its window but was unsuccessful as the car continued moving. Authorities have not confirmed whether anyone was injured. As of Tuesday evening, the Chicago Police Department said it was still awaiting reports from officers on the scene to determine if the driver would face charges.
While most of the demonstration remained peaceful, isolated incidents of vandalism were reported. Several police vehicles were damaged, and public transportation was temporarily halted in the downtown area, according to FOX 32.
Alderman Raymond Lopez condemned the violence on social media, stating: “I’m so sick of anarchy apologists and their ‘It’s not violent, just property damage bro’ bull—-.”
The Chicago protest is part of a growing national response to last weekend’s ICE raids in Los Angeles, which the Department of Homeland Security said led to the arrest of “hundreds of illegal aliens,” many of whom had prior criminal convictions. According to DHS, among those arrested were individuals accused of serious crimes including robbery, rape, and second-degree murder.
“America’s brave ICE officers are removing the worst of the worst from LA’s streets, while LA’s leaders are working tirelessly against them,” DHS stated on Sunday, as violent demonstrations continued in the city.
Since June 7, protests in Los Angeles have spiraled into destructive riots, with incidents of arson, assaults on police officers, looting, and damage to city infrastructure, including the LAPD headquarters. Similar protests have also been reported in cities such as Asheville, North Carolina.
One Chicago protester, Benjamin Rose, emphasized the urgency felt by many demonstrators: “People are being snatched off the street, so you just gotta do something about it,” he told FOX 32.
