Chicago Vigil Protests Immigration Agents’ Fatal Shootings

A vigil took place on Michigan Avenue, protesting the shooting deaths of two men by immigration agents during traffic stops. Hundreds gathered in downtown Chicago to voice concerns over the Trump administration’s strict immigration policies.

The vigil began in Grant Park around 11 a.m. to honor Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, killed in Houston on July 7, and Joan Sebastian Guerrero, killed in Maine shortly afterward. Megan Sullivan, a member of the advocacy group Singing Resistance, stood in the park dressed as Lady Liberty to symbolize the call for change.

“Remember the dead and demand the kind of world where we never would have lost them in the first place,” said Rev. Hannah Kardon of United Church of Rogers Park, addressing the attendees.

The event was organized by four Chicago advocacy groups calling for an end to violence. Despite a recent directive from the Department of Homeland Security to pause most vehicle stops, fear persists within immigrant communities due to ongoing reports of raids.

According to public reports, ICE and Border Patrol agents have shot 11 people since Trump’s second term started, with more than 50 deaths in ICE custody as reported by the National Immigrant Justice Center. On Saturday, volunteers displayed signs with the names and dates of the deceased. Monarch butterflies, representing the journeys of immigrants, were carried by attendees as a symbol of unity and hope.

Participants chanted and sang with local Singing Resistance members. Mark Osing, a North Park resident, expressed his commitment to continue protesting against the mass deportation agenda, hoping to inspire action in others.

For some, the killings brought back memories of the previous year’s Operation Midway Blitz, highlighting the persistent fear within immigrant families. Melody Rose from Rogers Park described the trauma felt in her community due to immigration enforcement actions.

Alderman Michael Rodriguez emphasized remembering and acting for those affected by immigration operations. Rodriguez recalled last year’s arrests in Little Village, which included his chief of staff.

Recent incidents have sparked debate about the use of traffic stops for enforcement within the Trump administration. Despite announcing a pause, President Trump advocated for their effectiveness on social media. The Department of Homeland Security confirmed ongoing arrests, including a recent case in Chicago.

Laura Garza of Arise Chicago led a somber moment by reading names of those reportedly killed by ICE and Border Patrol. Morna Brothers and Melinda Gordon participated in the vigil to remind people of the humanity of each victim.

As the event concluded, chalk was distributed to write victims’ names on sidewalks. The procession moved onto Michigan Avenue, protected by police as it made its way downtown, passing landmarks like the Art Institute and Millennium Park. Tourists and Chicagoans alike joined the march, applauding and showing solidarity.

Jill Gray, visiting from Iowa, witnessed the march and expressed pride in the demonstrators’ commitment to justice while lamenting the ongoing injustices.