Chicago, IL – Tensions escalated in downtown Chicago on Tuesday evening as a red sedan rammed through a crowd of anti-ICE protesters, injuring a 66-year-old woman. The shocking incident, captured on video and widely circulated on social media, has added fuel to the ongoing national debate surrounding immigration raids and law enforcement responses.
What Happened?
According to the Chicago Police Department, the vehicle attempted to plow through protesters on the 0–100 block of East Monroe Street, where demonstrators had gathered to oppose recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations.
While most protesters managed to leap out of the vehicle’s path, Heather Blair, a retired federal worker, was struck while standing in the roadway. She suffered a fractured left arm and was transported to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, where she was treated and released.
“I saw it. I don’t know if I heard it, but I looked and there was a car—a red car—accelerating at us,” Blair told local reporters.
Viral Footage Sparks Outrage
Footage of the incident shows the red car speeding toward the crowd, nearly hitting pedestrians and a cyclist. Protesters can be seen briefly pursuing the vehicle and hitting it as it sped away without stopping.
During the protest against ICE in Downtown Chicago earlier today, a vehicle was caught on video nearly striking multiple pedestrians and a cyclist. Protesters can be seen briefly pursuing and hitting the car before it sped away from the scene without stopping. #chicago… pic.twitter.com/UcJe4xDPEm
— CHICAGO CRITTER (@ChicagoCritter) June 11, 2025
Fed-up driver plows through anti-ICE protesters blocking traffic in Chicago.
— GhostCypher1 (@GhostCypher04) June 11, 2025
Public patience is wearing thin pic.twitter.com/gGjoNXOsYR
Two viral posts from social media accounts @ChicagoCritter and @GhostCypher04 show the moment the car tore through the crowd:
- @ChicagoCritter: “During the protest against ICE in Downtown Chicago earlier today, a vehicle was caught on video nearly striking multiple pedestrians and a cyclist…”
- @GhostCypher04: “Fed-up driver plows through anti-ICE protesters blocking traffic in Chicago. Public patience is wearing thin.”
National Unrest Amid Mass Deportation Campaign
This incident comes amid massive protests nationwide following a new wave of immigration raids, part of President Donald Trump’s campaign promise to implement the largest mass deportation campaign in U.S. history.
“President Trump promised to carry out the largest mass deportation campaign in American history, and left-wing riots will not deter him in that effort,” said White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
Chicago Prepares for Federal Response
In response to growing unrest, Cristina Pacione-Zayas, Chief of Staff to Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, warned that military-style deployments may soon be seen on city streets.
“Federal agents have been informed they have 48 hours to stand by and be ready to deploy,” she stated. “There will be tactical teams, mini-tanks, and other tools.”
Marines Headed to Los Angeles
Meanwhile, officials in Los Angeles confirmed that U.S. Marines will soon join National Guard troops patrolling city streets. The Marines are reportedly authorized to detain individuals who interfere with immigration raids.
Though protests in LA have been largely peaceful, there have been reports of violent clashes, with law enforcement charging protesters on horseback and firing crowd-control munitions. A strict 8:00 PM curfew has also been enforced in downtown areas.
Conclusion
The incident in Chicago has reignited debates over protest safety, immigration policy, and the role of federal force in American cities. As tensions mount in cities like Chicago and Los Angeles, observers warn that the lines between public safety, civil liberties, and political enforcement are becoming increasingly blurred.