A woman was left with a broken arm and facial injuries after a car plowed through an anti-ICE protest in downtown Chicago, highlighting escalating tensions around immigration demonstrations in the city. Thousands of people were taking part in a large anti-ICE demonstration when the incident happened. During the demonstration, at least 17 people were taken into custody, and four of them were charged with felonies. For upcoming protests, city officials are preparing more stringent security measures.
Vehicle Assault Disrupts Peaceful Demonstration
An anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) protest in Chicago’s Loop took a dangerous turn Tuesday evening when a car drove through the crowd of demonstrators. The incident occurred around 6:19 p.m. at the intersection of Monroe Street and Wabash Avenue, where thousands had gathered to protest recent immigration enforcement actions. Heather Blair, who was participating in the protest with her husband at the rear of the demonstration, suffered a broken arm and facial injuries when the maroon sedan accelerated toward the crowd.
Witness accounts and video footage captured the chaotic scene as the vehicle plowed through protesters. Nick Wozniak, who was present at the demonstration, described people “diving out of the way” as the car approached. CBS News Chicago was reporting live from the protest when the incident occurred, with their cameras capturing the panic that ensued as bystanders rushed to help the injured. The driver, described as a woman in a yellow tank top, had been seen among the protesters with a can of spray paint shortly before getting behind the wheel.
🚨 #BREAKING: A driver who was being held hostage by anti-ICE rioters in Chicago just DROVE THROUGH the crowd
Can’t say I blame him!
Americans across the nation are getting FED UP with this BS. pic.twitter.com/54FteIPL0C
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) June 11, 2025
Police Response and Investigation
Chicago police confirmed that multiple arrests were made during the protest, with a total of 17 individuals taken into custody. Four people were charged with felonies, including aggravated battery of a peace officer, while ten others faced misdemeanor charges. Additional charges were pending for two other individuals. The demonstration was part of a larger movement against recent ICE arrests and anticipated larger-scale immigration raids in the Chicago area.
CBS Skywatch tracked the maroon sedan as it fled the scene, documenting the vehicle driving into oncoming traffic and making dangerous maneuvers through city streets. The car eventually broke down on State Street in the South Loop, but reports indicate the driver managed to restart the vehicle and continue fleeing. Blair was transported to Northwestern Memorial Hospital for treatment of her injuries. Despite the traumatic experience, she expressed her continued support for the cause, stating she plans to help future demonstrations through a friend while she recovers.
Chicago
Man driving car mostly peacefully passes through anti-ICE protestors.
— The Daily Sneedâ„¢ (@Tr00peRR) June 11, 2025
Planning for Future Demonstrations
In response to the incident, Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Police Department announced they are preparing additional resources to ensure public safety at upcoming demonstrations. City leaders are strategizing to prevent similar incidents in the future, with discussions involving coordination with the governor’s office and implementing enhanced security measures. Phil Andrew, a crisis consultant interviewed by local media, emphasized the importance of coordination between protesters and law enforcement to maintain safety during public demonstrations.
Protest organizers for planned upcoming demonstrations, including one scheduled at Daley Plaza, are emphasizing non-violent approaches and working with police to establish improved safety protocols. Security measures such as barricades are expected to be implemented to prevent vehicles from accessing demonstration areas. The Chicago Police Department has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting First Amendment rights while ensuring the safety of all participants and the general public during these events as tensions around immigration enforcement continue to build in the city.