Why march around the loop when there’s an ICE processing facility in Broadview? https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/06/06/ice-chicago-immigrants-detained/
Marches are often cleared with the local government first. Marching in a circuit downtown is a common route, where the police already have plans drawn up to protect the protest from vigilante attacks, and prevent vandalism by protesters. If the march organizers are trying to not antagonize the local police, they’ll probably pick a familiar and easily approved route.
Creating conflict with the police is likely to get more press attention to a demonstration with less people, but if the organizers are trying to maximize the demonstration’s attendance, telegraphing the intention to keep conflict to a minimum is likely to encourage participation from a larger swath of the population.
So far they’ve organized massive demonstrations in several major cities, and the consistent track record of no injuries or violence seems to be attracting more and more people.
Because we learned nothing last time and continue to protest in a location where we can be easily kettled by raising the bridges for some reason.
Raising the bridges carries huge economic and political costs. If protests triggered a repeat of Lightfoot’s over-reach, it could be considered a win for the protesters. It is unlikely to happen under the current mayor.
