Thousands March in Chicago Amid Snowstorm, Calling for General Strike

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Thousands of protesters took to the streets of Chicago on a frigid winter night, marching through the city's downtown and past Trump Tower while carrying a large banner that read "Defend Democracy - It's time for a general strike!" The rally, which faced near-whiteout conditions due to heavy snowfall, saw the crowd chanting slogans against ICE and CBP and declaring their belief that "we will win."

Why it matters

The protest reflects the ongoing tensions and activism around immigration enforcement agencies and the broader fight to protect democratic institutions in the United States. Chicago has a history of large-scale demonstrations, and this event underscores the willingness of citizens to brave harsh weather conditions to make their voices heard on these critical issues.

The details

The march began heading east toward Lake Michigan, with protesters carrying the large banner calling for a general strike. As the column moved north on Michigan Avenue toward the Chicago River and Trump Tower, the crowd chanted "strike, strike, strike, strike!" Despite the freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall, the march continued, with protesters shouting "we do not fuck with ICE" as they passed by the former president's property. The rally eventually concluded in front of City Hall, with the crowd bouncing and chanting "I believe that we will win!"

• The rally began on the evening of January 30, 2026.
• The march took place as the temperature was below freezing and heavy snow was falling in Chicago.
• The protest continued into the early hours of January 31, 2026, wrapping up in front of City Hall.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The organizers of the rally have vowed to continue their activism and push for further demonstrations and labor actions in the coming weeks and months.