Thousands rally for 'No Kings' protests across Chicago against ICE raids, Trump's military parade

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Thousands in the Chicago area rallied for "No Kings Day" protests against the Trump administration on Saturday.

It was quite the demonstration, and it seemed like there was just a never-ending crowd of people that marched from Daley Plaza all throughout the Loop in downtown Chicago.

Official attendance numbers from Chicago police have not yet been released, but the expected number of 10,000 people appeared to be far exceeded.

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A large demonstration began at Daley Plaza on Saturday afternoon. Thousands marched northbound on Dearborn onto eastbound Wacker at about 1:15 p.m.

CPD Superintendent Larry Snelling was seen at the front of the crowd as hundreds of police officers guarded the streets.

Organizers said they are taking a stand against the Trump Administration and come in light of recent ICE raids.

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Everything had remained peaceful throughout the day as of 4 p.m., with a significant presence from Chicago police on every corner of the rally.

People of every age and every race came out here to send a message to the Trump administration, demanding an end to the ICE raids.

ABC7 saw signs and flags waving throughout the Loop as chants echoed across downtown Chicago, with people standing shoulder to shoulder.

The march made its way to Trump Tower with many streets blocked off as people told ABC7 they're tired of not being heard by the federal government.

"I'm here because I feel there's limited things the average American can do," Jean Davrowski said. "One thing is we can use our voices and speak out and say what we want and what we don't want. We don't want a king."

The protest was organized by Indivisible Chicago. They said they wanted it to be a family-friendly event. That appeared to be the case, with kids drawing chalk on sidewalks before the rally.

As the protests have gone on nationwide, ABC News has learned of a change in guidance with the planned ICE raids. The Department of Homeland Security confirms it will pause most raids on farms, restaurants and hotels after President Trump earlier this week shifted his stance on targeting undocumented workers in those industries. That change is effective immediately.

National demonstrations coincide with a massive Military parade happening in Washington D.C. celebrating the U.S. Army's 250th birthday. Saturday is also President Donald Trump's birthday.

The Chicago Police Department cancelled days off for officers as they prepared for the influx in people downtown.

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Saturday's demonstrations came after at least two other large-scale protests earlier this week in downtown. The protests were largely peaceful.

CPD said its officers were ready to handle the large crowds and prepared with all necessary resources.

List of "No Kings Day" protests across Chicago area

-Joliet: 10 a.m., North Larkin Avenue and West Jefferson Street
-Wheaton: 10 a.m., 311 S. Naperville Rd.
-Evanston: 10 a.m., 1601 Sherman Ave.
-Highland Park: 11 a.m., 1707 St. johns Ave.
-Geneva: 11:30 a.m., South Randall Road and Gleneagle Drive
-Highland, Indiana, 12 p.m., 41st and Ridge Road
-Shorewood: 1 p.m., 1100 block of North River Road
-Oak Park: 1 p.m. 800 Lake Street
-Des Plaines: 1 p.m., Wolf Road and Golf Road
-Mount Prospect: 2 p.m., 2 W. Northwest Hwy.
-Arlington Heights: 3 p.m., North Evergreen Avenue and East Eastman Street
-La Grange: 4:30 p.m., La Grange Road and Cossitt Avenue

The Chicago Police Department shared the following statement:
"CPD has implemented regular day off cancellations and extended tours for full-duty sworn members this weekend to ensure we have sufficient resources in place at the many special events and planned demonstrations being held, as well as in our communities citywide. The Chicago Police Department will always work to protect those exercising their First Amendment Rights. With public safety as our top priority, our planning and training for First Amendment assemblies are rooted in constitutional policing and the safety of all those participating, working and living in the affected areas. CPD has had extensive experience handling and successfully securing large demonstrations throughout the past few years, including those related to the war in Gaza and the 2024 Democratic National Convention. We will continue to do the same with all future large-scale demonstrations. As we protect these assemblies, we will not tolerate any criminal activity or violence. Those in violation of the law will be held accountable."