June 23, 2018

Chicago—Hundreds of people marched in neighborhood immigrants’ rights protests here on June 23. The fact that protests like these are popping up from the grassroots all over the country reflects the breadth and depth of outrage over the Trump administration’s separation of children from their parents at the border.

Chicagoans demonstrate in Rogers Park, June 23, 2018. Photo: Franklin Dmitryev.

In Rogers Park between 300 and 600 of us walked down Morse from the el stop and then up Clark Street to Touhy Park, a popular gathering place for people of all races, many of them Latinx, often engaged in soccer games. The support from pedestrians and drivers on Clark Street was overwhelming, with more friendly honking than I’ve ever seen at a protest.

Many people carried handmade signs, including “Zero tolerance for family separation,” “Only MONSTERS keep children in cages,” “We belong to each other / RISE UP defend the children,” “I really DO care, do you?” “Just following orders built Dachau,” and “Families. Together. Free. Resistencia y Libertad!”

At the same time, even more Chicagoans marched in Lincoln Square.

Marchers were of all races and ages, from young children to elderly, including quite a few parents pushing strollers. The spirit was passionate and determined, and the event was energizing and restorative, leaving us looking forward to the citywide “Families Belong Together” march this Saturday, June 30, 11 AM at Daley Plaza, with a plan for Rogers Parkers to meet up at the Loyola el stop at 10 AM and ride downtown together.

–Marxist-Humanist Participant