## Millions Expected to Protest Across the U.S. in “No kings” Demonstrations

This is Democracy Now!democracynow.org, The War and Peace Report. I’m Nermeen Shaikh, with Amy Goodman in Santa Fe.

AMY GOODMAN: This is Democracy Now! That’s right,and we’re going to end right now. Even as President Trump has cracked down on dissent and sent troops into multiple cities, organizers of Saturday’s “No Kings” protests expect millions to join at least 2,500 rallies across all 50 states and several U.S. territories. It could certainly go throughout the world. Turnout is expected to surpass the 5 million protesters who turned out for No Kings Day events in June.For more, we’re joined by two guests.

NERMEEN SHAIKH: [Byron] Sigcho-Lopez is alderperson of the city’s 25th Ward. It includes immigrant neighborhoods such as Pilsen, where federal agents have conducted violent raids and arrests.And in Washington, D.C., Leah Greenberg is co-founder and co-executive director of Indivisible, the grassroots movement, which is part of the No Kings coalition helping to organize Saturday’s protests.

Welcome back to both of you. Leah, if we could begin with you? Just talk about the scale of the protests across the country and what you’re expecting.LEAH GREENBERG: Well, we’re expecting about 2,600 protests all across the country, in every state, and about 18 other countries, as well. And we are expecting millions and millions of people to show up.And we are expecting to have a joyful and defiant day that stands as a rebuke to this management’s corruption, its authoritarianism and its attacks on our neighbors and our rights.

AMY GOODMAN: You know,Leah,I was on the plane to albuquerque,and as people were getting off,they were telling me about the mass protests planned for Albuquerque. They expect some, what, 100,000 people, people coming in from small towns and cities after having their protests in their towns. There’s going to be one here in Santa Fe, as well. Apparently, the Trump administration, President Trump himself and those in the White House, are deeply concerned about this. And you have these threats, comparing people here to Hamas sympathizers and antifa. And we’ve heard what Pam Bondi said, how she’s going to deal with antifa. What is your response?

LEAH GREENBERG: our response is that we are engaging in the most American activity in the world, which is coming together in peaceful protest of our government. This is a classic exercise of our First Amendment rights. And it is a classic exercise of the authoritarian playbook, to try to create fear, to try to threaten, to try to make people back off preemptively. And we’re not going to do that. We won’t be bowed, or we won’t be cowed. We won’t stop. We will continue to exercise our rights peacefully and joyfully,and all over the country,because the backlash to Donald Trump is everywhere.

NERMEEN SHAIKH: So,I’d like to bring in Byron Sigcho-Lopez.If you could talk about what you’re expecting to happen in Chicago? But first, I’d like to turn to a clip. This is Texas Republican Senator Ted cruz, who made similar unfounded claims o“`html

Chicago Police Department Accountability Concerns

Recent incidents involving the Chicago Police Department (CPD) have sparked renewed concerns regarding accountability, use of force, and treatment of citizens.These events, occurring primarily on the city’s Southwest Side, have drawn criticism from community activists and raised questions about police practices.

Recent Incidents and Allegations

In recent weeks, the CPD has faced scrutiny over two specific incidents. The first involves a shooting on the Southwest Side where a woman was shot by officers, despite reportedly posing no immediate threat. Details surrounding the shooting remain under examination, but the incident has fueled accusations of excessive force. Chicago Reporter

The second incident concerns the arrest of three individuals, including a 15-year-old Black youth, two of whom are U.S. citizens. Reports indicate the youth was detained for approximately five hours without communication with family or legal counsel. This has led to allegations of unlawful detention and mistreatment. Block club chicago

Concerns Regarding Use of Force

The shooting on the Southwest Side highlights ongoing concerns about the CPD’s use of force policies and training. Critics argue that officers are not adequately trained in de-escalation techniques and that the department lacks sufficient oversight to prevent unnecessary shootings. The city has a history of police-involved shootings, and these incidents contribute to a climate of distrust between the police and the communities they serve.

Allegations of Unlawful Detention

The detention of the 15-year-old youth raises serious questions about due process and the rights of minors. Legal experts emphasize the importance of promptly notifying parents or guardians and providing access to legal depiction when a minor is taken into custody. the five-hour period of silence in this case is considered by many to be a violation of established protocols. American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois

Historical Context and Ongoing Reform Efforts

These incidents are not isolated events. The CPD has faced decades of criticism regarding issues of police misconduct, racial bias, and lack of accountability. Following the 2014 shooting of Laquan McDonald, the Department of Justice launched an investigation that resulted in a scathing report detailing systemic civil rights violations. Department of Justice Report

In response to the DOJ report, the city entered into a consent decree with the federal government, outlining a series of reforms aimed at improving police training, accountability, and community relations. However, progress on implementing these reforms has been slow, and many community members remain skeptical about the CPD’s commitment to change.

The Role of the Civilian Office of Police accountability (COPA)

The civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) is responsible for investigating allegations of police misconduct in Chicago. While COPA has made some progress in increasing openness and accountability, it continues to face challenges, including limited resources and a lack of subpoena power. COPA Website

Key Takeaways

• recent incidents involving the CPD have raised serious concerns about accountability and use of force.
• Allegations of unlawful detention and mistreatment of a 15-year-old youth have sparked outrage.
• The CPD has a long history of facing criticism regarding police misconduct and racial bias.
• Progress on implementing reforms outlined in the federal consent decree has been slow.
• The Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) faces challenges in investigating allegations of misconduct.

looking ahead, continued pressure from community activists, coupled with robust oversight from COPA and the federal government, will be crucial to ensuring that the CPD is held accountable for its actions and that the rights of all Chicago residents are protected. Further investment in de-escalation training and community policing initiatives is also essential to building trust and fostering positive relationships between the police and the communities