'No Kings' Protests Planned Saturday on South Side, Orland Park

ILLINOIS — Over 8,000 “No Kings” protests are planned across the county this Saturday, June 14, to counter President Trump’s massive military parade in Washington, D.C. to celebrate his 79th birthday. The main protest in Chicago will take place at Daley Plaza starting from noon to 2 p.m.

The largest mass mobilization since Trump’s second inauguration in January, community-based protests are also taking place in local suburbs and neighborhoods. These demonstrations tend to be calmer, more accessible, and folks can bring chairs to sit on if they cannot walk or stand for a long period of time.

The “No Kings” protests come in the wake of anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles, which escalated after Trump federalized the National Guard amid brutal ICE raids of Home Depots, factories and courthouses. So, safety is a top priority of organizers preparing Saturday’s rallies.

>>> 'No Kings' Protests To Be Held Saturday Across IL

Mayor Brandon Johnson, while urging defiance, has encouraged Chicagoans to demonstrate peacefully after the city received word that federal ICE agents have been given 48 hours to stand by and be ready to deploy.

The nationwide “No Kings” demonstrations are being organized by 50501 Movement, which means “50 protests, 50 states 1 movement.” Indivisible Chicago is galvanizing the Chicago-area protests.

50501 has called for a “National Day of Defiance” from “city blocks to small towns, from courthouse steps to community parks, we’re taking action to reject authoritarianism—and show the world what democracy really looks like.”

Locally, Southsiders for Peace will be heading up the Indivisible Chicago “No Kings” protest at 103rd Street and Western Avenue, from 1 to 3 p.m. They ask that signs not include profanity.

The South Suburban Relentless protest at 147th Street and LaGrange Road in Orland Park have gained in numbers, with more than 200 area residents turning out for its last demonstration a few weeks ago. Saturday’s Indivisible Chicago event in Orland Park will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. They ask that signs not include profanity.

On Friday, Orland Park Mayor Jim Dodge and Police Chief NAME, issued a joint statement assuring the community that Orland Park police is fully prepared and committee to ensuring public safety while respecting the First Amendment rights of all individuals.

"We stand firmly behind the First Amendment right of our residents to peacefully assemble and express their voices," said Mayor Jim Dodge. "Our community is built on the principles of free speech and open dialogue, and we will do everything in our power to protect these rights while maintaining safety for all."

Chief of Police Eric Rossi added: “Our department has undergone extensive training to handle various scenarios that may arise during protests. We have a history of peaceful demonstrations in Orland Park, and we are hopeful this will continue. However, we are prepared for any situation and will respond appropriately to ensure the safety of our community."

“The safety of our residents remains our utmost priority,” said Dodge. “We encourage everyone who participates to do so responsibly and peacefully.”

Dozens of community-based “No Kings” protests are taking place throughout the Chicago area and beyond this Saturday. For a complete list, visit 50501.