From a rally in support of police officers to a Black Lives Matter protests, several demonstrations and similar large events took place Saturday in Chicago.
Several CTA bus and train lines were rerouted as a result of protests in the afternoon and evening.
One of the earlier events, the "Back the Blue" rally at Grant Park, aimed to show police officers that they're valued.
"These are the people who keep us safe at night," said Tina McGrath, "Back the Blue" organizer. "They make it easy for us to go to work. They put uniforms on every day not knowing if they are coming home at night."
While the event went on, a small group of counter protesters gathered nearby, calling for the defunding of police. The protests took place near the site where a statue of Christopher Columbus was removed by order of Mayor Lori Lightfoot earlier this week.
Also on Saturday, members of Refuse Facism Chicago took part in a demonstration in protest of the Trump administration. Marchers gathered at Federal Plaza and marched to the Chicago U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement field office.
As part of the day's Black Lives Matter protest, several individuals gathered at the Buckingham Fountain at around 5 p.m. and marched throughout the Loop, echoing calls to defund the Chicago Police Department.
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Organizers said they want more of the city's budget to go toward its neighborhoods, not policing.
"We will not stop this fight," one protester said.
Despite their differences, both "Back the Blue" organizers and those behind the Black Lives Matter protest continue to plan rallies and making their voices heard.
"We are choosing to be vocal about this," said McGrath, "Back the Blue," organizer. "Going forward, you will hear from us. We'll be out more often. There will be more rallies."
