Chicagoans rally in wake of ICE shootings in Minneapolis and Portland

Chicagoans continued to protest the fatal shooting of Minneapolis resident Renee Nicole Macklin Good by a federal immigration officer with two rallies Saturday.

The protesters also condemned the U.S. military intervention in Venezuela. The first gathering was organized in the early afternoon by Indivisible Edgewater at West Thorndale Avenue and North Sheridan Road.

About 75 protesters gathered and chanted “ICE out now” and “ICE out for good” as passing cars honked in support.

Hours later, a second event, hosted by May Day Strong and a coalition of other organizations, drew hundreds to the Chicago Water Tower on North Michigan Avenue.

Among the long list of speakers were activists and politicians, including state Sen. Mike Simmons (7th) — who also appeared at the Edgewater rally — and Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25th).

Holding a banner that said “No War on Venezuela,” organizers also led the attendees in a march along Michigan Avenue to Trump Tower on the river.

“We’re here today standing in solidarity with Minneapolis because Chicago is also Minneapolis,” said Meja Hodzic, an organizer with the Party for Socialism and Liberation.

Hodzic also brought up the fatal shooting of Silverio Villegas González by a federal immigration agent during a traffic stop in Franklin Park in September.

“Here in Chicago, we know all too well what it feels like to see our city stormed by agents, our people beaten and gassed and kidnapped by masked, unidentified armed individuals,” Hodzic said.