Despite frigid temperatures, Chicagoans marched on Monday for reproductive rights, immigration protections and more.

Over 2,000 protesters bundled up and gathered in Federal Plaza on Monday to protest the inauguration of President Donald Trump, who was voted into office again in November. 

The protest began at 11 a.m. CST as Trump was being inaugurated, and the march and rally continued until about 1:30 p.m. Over the course of the day, temperatures stayed in the single digits with wind chills  in the negatives.

Advocates for different issues were involved in the march. Protesters carried signs for issues such as mass deportations and anti-immigrant policies, women’s health and anti-abortion policies, and pro-Palestinian policies. There were also signs protesting Trump himself.

“Defend democracy,” “Immigrant rights and legalization for all” among signs seen at the inauguration day protest.

At Federal Plaza prior to the beginning of the march, volunteers had set out Dunkin’ coffee and hand warmers for protesters. One man — who wished to remain anonymous for safety reasons — was passing out hand warmers along the march route. 

“I love being a part of a group of people who really care,” the man said. “I’m willing to set aside the hyper individualism we’re raised with and come out and celebrate like our martyrs, like Dr King.”

A common theme of the march was sadness over Trump being inaugurated on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Protesters carried signs honoring the civil-rights hero, who would have turned 96 last week.

A man holds a copy of Martin Luther King Jr.’s memoir as he marches.

Protesters began their march heading north on Dearborn Street. Speaking into a microphone on the leading truck, organizers led chants in both English and Spanish.

“No hate, no fear. Immigrants are welcome here,” was one of the main protest chants. “¡Trump, escucha, estamos en la lucha!” was also popular. This translates to “Trump, listen, we are in the fight!”

Woman holds sign that translates to “No family separations” at protest.

The protest quickly turned right off Dearborn onto Monroe Street, heading east and making a left onto State Street. One protester named Helena is a social worker for the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. She has lived in Chicago for over 30 years. “As a social worker, it’s important for me to defend the rights of the most vulnerable communities,” Helena said.

The march continued down State Street, making its way to Trump Tower. 

An overhead view of protesters marching down State Street.

The view of the protest from the State/Lake CTA station.

A woman who is a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and a member of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) — was also marching on Monday. “I got to stand up for my rights against Trump,” she said. She disagrees with a lot of Trump’s policies including deportation and anti-union policy. “It’s just a lot of negativity.”

When asked how she felt being surrounded by so many passionate people on such a cold day, Barns had one word: motivated.

Protester leads chant with microphone.

As the protest made its way north and eventually turned right on Wabash, it remained peaceful. Police were on bikes accompanying the protest but never needed to intervene. On the busy downtown streets and inside of stores and restaurants, bystanders took videos and observed. Some joined in the chanting.

Bike police stand in front of Trump Tower.

The protest concluded in front of Trump Tower, with the new president’s name creating a backdrop for signs and chants. 

Stewart “S2E” Hall — a street artist and hopeful content creator — carried a sign that read “NO! Stop Trump/Pence fascist regime” in both Arabic and English. “I am out here defending our rights to free speech and assembly,” he said. “I’m standing up for our Constitution like our lawmakers refuse to.”

Palestinian flag waves in front of Trump Tower.

Man holds sign that reads, “Trump listen, immigrants r making USA great” outside of Trump Tower.

Later that night, Trump signed several executive orders that you can read about here. He has continued to sign executive orders about climate, gender and more.  

Header and Photos by Meredith Bach