Chicago Activists Rally Against Trump’s New Immigration Policies and Travel Ban

Hundreds of protesters gathered in downtown Chicago today to voice their opposition to former President Donald Trump’s latest proposals on immigration and renewed calls for a federal travel ban. The demonstration, which spanned several blocks near Daley Plaza, was organized by a coalition of immigrant rights groups, civil liberties advocates, and local community leaders who warn that Trump’s policies, if enacted, would reverse years of progress on immigration reform.

The protest comes in the wake of Trump’s campaign pledge last week to reinstate a version of the controversial travel ban first introduced during his presidency in 2017. The original ban, which targeted several Muslim-majority countries, sparked widespread backlash and was challenged in courts before a narrower version was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018. Trump now says he plans to expand the list of countries and enact even stricter border controls if elected in November.

“This isn’t just about policy—it’s about people’s lives,” said Marisol Ramos, a DACA recipient and one of the protest’s lead organizers. “We’ve seen how families were torn apart under the last travel ban. We will not go back.”

The proposed travel restrictions are part of a broader immigration platform that includes ending birthright citizenship, constructing more physical barriers at the southern U.S. border, and authorizing mass deportations of undocumented immigrants. Trump has argued these measures are necessary for national security and economic stability, but critics say they promote xenophobia and violate civil rights.

Local leaders, including several members of the Chicago City Council, joined the protest, condemning the policies as discriminatory and harmful to the city’s diverse communities. Chicago, a self-declared “sanctuary city,” has long stood in defiance of federal efforts to penalize jurisdictions that protect undocumented residents.

“This is not who we are as a city or a country,” said Alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa. “We must reject fear-based politics and fight for a humane immigration system that values every person.”

Organizers vowed to continue demonstrating and educating the public as the 2024 election cycle intensifies. Voter registration booths were set up at the event, with volunteers encouraging bystanders to engage in the political process.

Key Takeaways

• Protesters in Chicago are condemning Donald Trump’s new immigration proposals and potential travel ban.

• The proposed policies include a ban on travel from several countries, ending birthright citizenship, and mass deportations.

• Community leaders emphasize the importance of civic engagement and protecting immigrant rights ahead of the election.

As immigration policy once again becomes a flashpoint in national politics, Chicago activists say they’re prepared for a long fight—and they’re just getting started.