More than 1,200 people lined La Grange Road near Orland Square Saturday morning and early afternoon, joining in more than 2,000 No Kings protests nationwide, including one in the Chicago Loop.
A steady stream of supportive honks from vehicles passing along the busy roadway in Orland Park was the prevailing sound during the peaceful demonstration from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. that extended from 147th Street past 149th.
Passersby were also subjected to scattered chants, the most popular of which was, “No Kings, no crowns, we the people won’t back down.”
Orland Park neighbors passed out U.S. flags and waved flags and signs with messages ranging from “Free Palestine” to “Donald Trump is a racist.”
Daniel “Dan” Duran, of Worth, was decked out in a blow-up chicken costume, alluding to critics of Trump claiming he was “chickening out” by repeatedly threatening high tariffs against multiple countries before backing off. Duran said he added an “absurd” red tie around the chicken’s neck and a crown to its head to deepen his likeness to the U.S. Republican president.
“I was going to have orange hair too, but it was going to deflate the head,” Duran joked.
Teasing and jokes at Trump’s expense was juxtaposed with serious concerns and outrage regarding his administration’s immigration policies.
Duran and his wife, Carrie, said they both work within suburban school districts, where they often encounter students frightened that Immigration Customs and Enforcement agents might raid their schools, searching for undocumented students to deport.
“Even kids who have no problems — they’re full citizens — they’re scared because they don’t want to lose their friends,” Duran said.
“Schools should be untouchable,” Carrie Duran said.
While the Durans said they are seasoned protesters, organizing against Trump’s immigration policies during his first term as president, the police killing of George Floyd in 2020 and other issues, many who showed up Saturday said they were first-time activists.
They included Lockport residents Mercedes Ibarra, 54, and her 19-year-old daughter, Jimena. Mercedes said she is a Mexican immigrant who moved to the U.S. 50 years ago, but still doesn’t feel like she has the right to call herself American.
“I still have to justify my existence,” Ibarra said.
Jimena said she was excited to see multiple generations making their voices heard at the protest, as the issues they are pushing back on affect everybody.
“There was this cool protest sign — what was it saying? — like, ‘you chose the right year, but the wrong generation,’” Jimena said. “We’ll speak back on this issue, whether it’s on social media or coming here.”
In anticipation of the La Grange Road protest, recently elected Orland Park Mayor Jim Dodge and police Chief Eric Rossi released a joint statement to assure community members police were prepared to keep the village safe while upholding demonstrators’ First Amendment rights to organize peacefully.
“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,” Dodge said in the statement. “We encourage everyone who participates to do so responsibly and peacefully.”
Those with lingering ongoing questions or concerns were also encouraged to contact the Orland Park Police Department.
As the protest ended on schedule Saturday, many more continue across the country. Tens of thousands of protesters were expected in downtown Chicago, marching from Daley Plaza to Trump Hotel.
Other Chicago area No Kings protests were held in Evanston, Geneva, Joliet, Naperville, Highland Park and Arlington Heights.
ostevens@chicagotribune.com
