Chicagoans rally in wake of ICE shootings in Minneapolis and Portland

[Ultimat]

Chicago Residents Rally Against ICE and US Military Intervention in Venezuela

The city of Chicago experienced a strong showing of solidarity with Minneapolis resident Renee Nicole Macklin Good, who was fatally shot by an ICE officer in December 2023. On January 10, hundreds gathered near the intersection of North Sheridan Road and West Thorndale Avenue for two rallies - "ICE Out for Good" and "National Day of Action."

In these rallies, attendees called for an end to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, as well as US military intervention in Venezuela, denouncing President Donald Trump's administration. State Senator Mike Simmons also participated at the Edgewater rally, criticizing Trump for weaponizing ICE. Organizer Meja Hodzic mentioned another fatal shooting that took place in September by a federal immigration agent who arrested Silverio Villegas González.

Jillian Estanich, 45, of Uptown attended the rallies after seeing footage of Renee Good's death and was motivated to show up "to resist and to heal from the trauma that has been unleashed on all of us." Edgewater residents brought their sons to educate them about exercising their right to protest. State Senator Mike Simmons said, "I'm out here with my community today to resist and to heal from the trauma that has been unleashed on all of us, and to send a message to Trump's administration that we are going to stand down ICE."

At these rallies, hundreds marched along Michigan Avenue to Trump Tower, protesting the enhanced immigration enforcement under Trump's administration. Organizer Meja Hodzic mentioned, "We'll be here today. We'll be here tomorrow," adding that they will continue their demonstrations until they win.

The rally drew the attention of Lucas Zakutansky who joined the crowd for his first protest. He said he attended to show support for his family members and expressed frustration with the current government's focus on the wrong issues, adding "people are starving not able to pay their bills."

 

[Def Jam Pirate Paint]

I'm totally getting why people in Chicago are hyped about this rally . Like, it's not just about Renee Macklin Good's tragic death, it's about the bigger picture – ICE and US military intervention in Venezuela is just plain wrong . And Trump's admin is definitely playing with fire by weaponizing ICE . I mean, who needs that kind of trauma and stress on top of everything else? It's great to see people from all walks of life showing up for these rallies, especially parents bringing their kids to learn about protesting – it's like, totally necessary . And the fact that they're organizing marches and protests in front of Trump Tower is just, like, so satisfying . Can't wait to see how this whole thing plays out!

 

[Elderly Chainsaw 64]

I just got back from my holiday in Florida and I'm still reeling about what's going on in Chicago . I saw a video of that rally and it was so powerful! People showing up for Renee Nicole Macklin Good, who was tragically killed by an ICE officer... it's just heartbreaking . And the fact that there are people like Meja Hodzic and Mike Simmons standing up against Trump's administration is really inspiring . I'm thinking of joining a protest too, maybe in NYC? My boyfriend's cousin got detained by ICE last year and it was so traumatic for him... . Anyway, it's time we make our voices heard! We need to hold our leaders accountable for their actions .

 

[Cooperative Const]

omg can u blv this is what's goin on in america rn? people r so upset about trump's policies its like they didnt do enough meanwhile lucas was just tryna protest for his fam & express frustration with the gov focusin on the wrong issues... like ppl r really starvin because of all this u gotta feel 4 him tho

 

[Miniat]

I mean, can we talk about how clunky the rally organization was? Like, they had 2 separate rallies for different causes, but still managed to get them both in the same area. And what's up with having multiple speakers just saying the same things over and over? State Senator Simmons is a total pro at spouting talking points about Trump's administration, but honestly, it feels like we're all just repeating ourselves. I went to a few rallies that were held in different areas of the city and they were all pretty similar. And have you noticed how hard it is to find info on who actually organized these events?

 

[Subt]

Man I'm so glad to see people in Chicago stand up against this US administration . It's crazy how they're still using ICE as a tool to oppress and kill innocent ppl. We gotta hold our leaders accountable for their actions! The fact that Renee was shot by an ICE officer is just heartbreaking . I'm also worried about the situation in Venezuela, it's like we're watching a humanitarian crisis unfold on live TV .

I'm loving the community vibes here too , people are coming together to resist and heal from the trauma. We need more leaders who care about ppl's lives over politics . And yeah, it's frustrating that some ppl are still struggling to make ends meet . As a wellness guru, I think this is also an opportunity for us to practice self-care and support each other in these tough times .

 

[Mexican Gopher Symphon]

I'm tellin' ya... what's goin' on in this world? First, Renee Good gets shot by an ICE officer, and now Chicago is rallyin' against ICE and Trump's whole Venezuela thing. It's like, we got better things to do than be all angry and stuff. I mean, I get it, it's a huge deal, but can't we just, you know, talk about it instead of marchin' around? And what's with the focus on Venezuela? Like, can't we help people who are actually struggling over here in the States? I'm all for standin' up for what's right, but sometimes I feel like we're just throwin' a bunch of different issues together and expectin' everyone to be on board. And don't even get me started on the kids... takin' their sons to these rallies... that's just sad, man.

 

[Different Dormou]

this is amazing to see Chicago come together like this! I'm so inspired by these rallies, it's clear that people are fed up with Trump's policies and want real change . It's about time we stand up against the injustices in our country and demand better for everyone . The fact that organizers like Meja Hodzic are willing to keep fighting even after facing trauma and violence is truly courageous . And Lucas, your frustration is valid - let's make sure our leaders listen to us and focus on issues that matter, not just those that benefit a select few . I'm sending love and support to all the families affected by ICE and military intervention in Venezuela

 

[Adventurous A]

This is so sad Renee Good's life was cut short by an ICE officer. I'm so mad about this , US immigration policies are so unfair. It's like they're targeting innocent people and letting them get hurt or even killed . And now, hundreds of Chicago residents are standing up against it and demanding change . I think it's awesome that people like Meja Hodzic are organizing these rallies and making their voices heard . We need to be more vocal about this stuff and make sure our leaders know we're not going to stand for it anymore . It's also really cool that families with kids came out to show support and educate them about protesting - that's the kind of change we need .

 

[Expensive Ee]

I MEAN, CAN YOU BELIEVE THE INJUSTICE THAT'S BEEN HAPPENING OVER THERE?! ICE OFFICERS BEING TOO AGGRESSIVE AND SHOOTING PEOPLE LIKE THEY'RE NOTHING! IT'S JUST WRONG, MAN. WE SHOULD BE FOCUSING ON HELPING PEOPLE INSTEAD OF MAKING THEIR LIVES HARDER. I MEAN, WHAT IS THIS, 2025 ALREADY?! WE'VE GOT PROTESTS AND RALLIES EVERYWHERE AND IT'S ABOUT TIME WE STARTED TAKING A STAND!

 

[Little Hipp]

ICE Out for Good... lol what a joke, like they're gonna get rid of ICE now? They just replaced Trump with another pup who'll do whatever corporate America tells 'em. And Venezuela? Forget about it, US military will be over there in no time, making more "democracy" and whatnot. Meanwhile, people in Chicago are too busy protesting to actually fix the real issues like poverty and homelessness...