Chicago Rally Attracts 1,000

Marking the anniversary of the first of several massive immigration marches in Chicago last year, about 1,000 demonstrators rallied again in the Loop Saturday in what organizers said was a warm-up to other mobilizations planned for the spring.

The often low-key afternoon rally at Federal Plaza was primarily meant to condemn recent federal raids across the country. Several speakers called on officials to stop their sweeps for undocumented immigrants until Congress settles on a new immigration policy.

But organizers also sought to broaden support as they prepare for two months of demonstrations, which started with the rally, will include prayer vigils and other neighborhood events and will culminate in another march May 1 through the Loop.

“We cannot have a government that will not allow mothers and fathers to stay in this country but will send sons and daughters to fight an unjust war,” Omar Lopez, a lead organizer, told the crowd of mostly Hispanic immigrants, many holding American flags or hoisting children on their shoulders. Click here.

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