UPDATE: Just hours after the U.S. military’s airstrikes in Venezuela and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro, protests are set to escalate across the Chicago area. Demonstrations are planned for Sunday, October 15, 2023, with significant gatherings expected in Lakeview and suburban Schaumburg.
On Saturday, thousands of demonstrators filled Federal Plaza in downtown Chicago, voicing their opposition to the U.S. government’s military actions. Many protesters condemned President Donald Trump‘s decision as an ‘unnecessary act of war.’ The atmosphere was charged as citizens expressed their concerns over the implications of such military involvement abroad.
Conversely, some Venezuelan nationals welcomed the removal of Maduro, reflecting a division among the demonstrators. However, questions loom regarding the legality of the operation, particularly its execution without congressional oversight. Protesters are urging the Trump administration to focus on pressing domestic issues instead of intervening in foreign conflicts.
Maduro, now detained in a Brooklyn, New York facility, faces serious drug and weapons charges. His vice president addressed the nation via state television, demanding Maduro’s immediate release, which adds to the tension surrounding the ongoing situation.
As the situation develops, those opposed to the strikes voice deep concerns over the potential for escalating conflict and the historical parallels to previous U.S. military interventions. The urgency of these protests highlights a growing sentiment among many Americans regarding the direction of U.S. foreign policy.
Stay tuned for updates as protests unfold and further reactions from both local and international officials are expected throughout the day.
