Hundreds Rally at Daley Plaza for National Shutdown Day

Demonstrators call for changes to immigration enforcement and oppose ICE activity across the country.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 7:39pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Hundreds of people gathered at Daley Plaza in downtown Chicago on Friday as part of National Shutdown Day, a nationwide protest calling for changes to immigration enforcement. Despite cold temperatures, demonstrators showed up in solidarity, opposing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and federal immigration actions happening in cities across the country. Participants skipped work, school, and shopping to disrupt daily routines as a form of protest.

Why it matters

The National Shutdown Day protest reflects growing concerns over immigration enforcement practices, particularly the presence of federal agents in cities like Chicago. The demonstrators aim to pressure the Trump administration to stop sending federal agents to cities and make changes to immigration policies.

The details

Among those attending was Marea Cordero, a mother of two who brought her daughters to the rally. She said the goal was to send a message against ICE funding and enforcement practices. Protesters also referenced recent incidents in Minneapolis, where two U.S. citizens were shot and killed by federal agents. As part of the shutdown, participants skipped work, school, and shopping in an effort to disrupt daily routines and economic activity.

  • The protest took place on Friday, January 31, 2026.

The players

Marea Cordero

A mother of two who attended the rally with her daughters.

John Murphy

A demonstrator who said concerns about immigration enforcement extend beyond just Minneapolis.

Iszy Hirschtritt Licht

A protester who said immigration enforcement has forced people to change how they live their daily lives.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We wanted to take action. To send a message that there is a measurable number of people that are against the funding of ICE, the brutality and the violence.”

— Marea Cordero, Mother of two (fox32chicago.com)

“It's not just Minneapolis. It's everywhere.”

— John Murphy, Demonstrator (fox32chicago.com)

“People are relying on neighbors to get groceries or skipping doctor appointments because they don't know if an ICE agent might be there.”

— Iszy Hirschtritt Licht, Protester (fox32chicago.com)

What’s next

Organizers say they plan to continue organizing demonstrations and actions in the coming weeks, urging changes to immigration enforcement policies at both the local and federal level.

The takeaway

The National Shutdown Day protest in Chicago reflects growing concerns over the impact of aggressive immigration enforcement practices on communities. The demonstrators aim to pressure the federal government to reform its approach and address the disruption caused by the presence of federal agents in cities across the country.