With protests expected to stretch across several Chicago suburbs this weekend, and reports of heightened ICE raids possible, suburban officials have released guidance for both residents and law enforcement.
Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart, whose county is home to several suburbs where so-called “No Kings” protests are planned, released a statement saying residents’ “safety and well-being remain a top priority.”
“The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office is dedicated to serving all residents of Lake County and upholding justice for every victim—regardless of immigration status—with a trauma-informed approach built on the principles of trust and safety. It is imperative that victims and witnesses feel safe to report crimes so that perpetrators don’t go unpunished,” Rinehart’s statement read. “We won’t have safe and healthy communities if people are afraid to contact the police or cooperate with the prosecutor’s office.”
He noted the state’s attorney’s office is “independent from the federal government, but required to follow both state and federal law.
“No federal court has struck down or invalidated the TRUST Act signed by Governor Bruce Rauner in 2017,” he said.
Because of that, he said his office:
will never ask about immigration status, will not require immigration status documentation, and will not keep records of immigration status; has created a process to protect immigrants victimized by violent crime by: pro-actively providing information, connecting them to legal civil resources, and reviewing all certification request in a timely manner as required by the VOICES ACT; will keep victim information confidential – including legal status – and will not share it with federal immigration agents (unless presented with a federal criminal warrant; or when they are otherwise required by a specific federal law). The Illinois Crime Victims’ Bill of Rights protects access to any of the victim’s information including legal status; will not assist in the enforcement of civil immigration law (unless presented with a federal criminal warrant; or when they are otherwise required by a specific federal law) as required in the TRUST ACT; and will prosecute and punish any notario or individual who defrauds vulnerable immigrants by pretending to be an immigration expert.Similarly, the Aurora Police Department put out an alert to residents saying it is “committed to the safety and well-being of everyone in our community.”
“We continue to provide equal enforcement of the law and equal service to all, regardless of background or circumstance. We are aware of the growing concerns occurring across the country and understand that these events can evoke fear, uncertainty, or other strong emotions within our community,” the department said. “We fully recognize and respect the constitutional rights of all individuals to assemble peacefully and express their views. Our policies align with the principles of the Illinois TRUST Act, ensuring that officers do not stop, arrest, search, or detain individuals solely based on their citizenship or immigration status. These policies have not changed, and our focus remains on enforcing state and local laws to ensure public safety.”
The department said while it plans to monitor any gatherings or demonstrations, it will intervene only “as necessary to address criminal behavior that may disrupt peaceful activities, cause harm, or impact public safety services.”
“We are committed to ensuring that everyone can safely express their views and be treated with dignity and respect, and our dedication to fostering trust and open communication within our diverse community remains unwavering,” the department said.
Chicago-area protests this weekend
Activists say they will hold even larger demonstrations in the coming days, with thousands of “No Kings” events across the country on Saturday to coincide with Trump’s planned military parade in Washington, D.C. According to organizers, “No Kings” protests are planned for both Chicago and surrounding suburbs.
Protests in nearly 2,000 locations are scheduled around the country, according to the No Kings website. The group lists events planned across the Chicago area, including Highland Park, Schaumburg, Elgin, Naperville, Joliet and more. Events will also be held in Chicago itself.
The No Kings Day of Defiance is expected to be the largest single-day mobilization since Trump returned to office, organizers said, adding they are preparing for millions to take to the streets across the U.S.
The Trump administration has said immigration raids and deportations will continue regardless
Chicago police issued a statement amid reports of the planned protests, saying the department will “protect those exercising their First Amendment Rights,” but also noted it will “not tolerate any criminal activity or violence.”
“With public safety as our top priority, our planning and training for First Amendment assemblies are rooted in constitutional policing and the safety of all those participating, working and living in the affected areas,” the department’s statement read. “CPD has had significant experience handling and successfully securing large demonstrations throughout the past few years, including those related to the war in Gaza and the 2024 Democratic National Convention. We will continue to do the same with all future large-scale demonstrations. As we protect these assemblies, we will not tolerate any criminal activity or violence. Those in violation of the law will be held accountable.”
Why is it called No Kings?
The “No Kings” theme was orchestrated by the 50501 Movement, a national movement made up of everyday Americans who stand for democracy and against what they call the authoritarian actions of the Trump administration. The name 50501 stands for 50 states, 50 protests, one movement.
Protests earlier this year have denounced Trump and billionaire adviser Elon Musk, the now former leader of Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency, a government organization designed to slash federal spending. Protesters have called for Trump to be “dethroned” as they compare his actions to that of a king and not a democratically elected president.
“They’ve defied our courts, deported Americans, disappeared people off the streets, attacked our civil rights, and slashed our services,” the group says on its website, referring to the Trump administration and its policies. “They’ve done this all while continuing to serve and enrich their billionaire allies.”
Why are people protesting on Saturday?
The No Kings Day of Defiance has been organized to reject authoritarianism, billionaire-first politics and the militarization of the country’s democracy, according to a press release from No Kings.
It is happening to counter the Army’s 250th anniversary celebration — which Trump has ratcheted up to include an expensive, lavish military parade. The event, will feature hundreds of military vehicles and aircraft and thousands of soldiers. It also happens to be his 79th birthday and Flag Day.
“The flag doesn’t belong to President Trump. It belongs to us,” the No Kings website says. “On June 14th, we’re showing up everywhere he isn’t — to say no thrones, no crowns, no kings.”
No protests are scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C., however, where the parade will be held.
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