UPDATE: Major protests are set to unfold across the Chicago area on Sunday, July 15, 2023, following the U.S. military’s recent strikes in Venezuela and the dramatic capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. Demonstrators gathered in downtown Chicago just hours after President Donald Trump announced the military action, voicing strong opposition against the administration’s decision.
Thousands of people filled Federal Plaza in the Loop on Saturday, expressing their outrage over what they deem an unnecessary act of war. Many protesters are calling for the Trump administration to prioritize pressing domestic issues instead of international conflicts. “This is not the way to handle things,” said one demonstrator. “We need to focus on our own country.”
Conversely, a significant number of Venezuelan nationals have welcomed the removal of Maduro’s regime, although concerns have been raised about the operation’s execution, particularly regarding the lack of Congressional oversight. “This attack brings back memories of past U.S. interventions,” stated another protester, highlighting the emotional divide among demonstrators.
As tensions rise, Trump has asserted that the U.S. will oversee Venezuela during a transitional period. Maduro is currently being held in a Brooklyn, New York, detention center, facing serious drug and weapons charges. Meanwhile, Venezuela’s vice president has made a public address on state television, demanding Maduro’s immediate release.
The protests on Sunday are anticipated to take place in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood and in north suburban Schaumburg. Authorities are preparing for large crowds, and significant disruptions to local traffic are expected.
As the situation develops, the implications of this military action and the subsequent protests will be closely monitored. Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds.
