What to know about Chicago-area ‘No Kings’ protests planned for Saturday

“No Kings” protests are expected to draw large crowds to downtown Chicago and several other areas in and around the city on Saturday.

The “No Kings” events in the Chicago area are part of a nationwide action on Saturday in opposition of the Trump administration’s policies, with more than 3,000 protests planned across the country and millions expected to turn out.

“As President Trump escalates his attempts to control us, it is on us, the people, to show that we will fight to protect one another and our country. If he believes we will roll over and allow him to take our freedoms, he is mistaken. We are coming together again on March 28 because we know we can overcome this repression when we unite,” the “No Kings” website states.

At least five of “No Kings” events are planned within Chicago alone, including in Grant Park, Edgewater and Lakeview. Family friendly “No Kings” events are planned to take place in the city in Independence Park and Welles Park.

Saturday will mark the third round of such demonstrations, following “No Kings” protests that took place in October and June.

Thousands turned out for over 30 “No Kings” events held across the Chicago area in October, adding to the nearly 7 million people who turned out for the events across the country. In June, roughly 5 million people protested across the country in “No Kings” events.

Organizers said they expect Saturday’s events to be one of the largest single-day nationwide protests in U.S. history.

The October “No Kings” protests took place as Chicago was at the forefront of controversial immigration enforcement operations called “Operation Midway Blitz” and a legal debate over the deployment of National Guard troops in the city.

This weekend’s protests are likely to focus on Trump’s economic policies, the ongoing war in Iran and again on immigration enforcement.

Rolling street closures will be put into effect downtown Chicago and near Grant Park amid the rally and march, according to the city’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC).

“Traffic Control Aides (TCAs) will be on hand at events citywide to direct flow and traffic impacts. Public transportation is encouraged,” OEMC said in a release sent Thursday. “The Chicago Police Department will have additional resources visible and present across the city to protect all those exercising their First Amendment Rights, as well as all those living, working and visiting affected areas.”

Protests are also planned for several suburban areas, including but not limited to: