Chicago City Wire

Chicago Police were reportedly prompted by an order from Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson to stand down as pro-Palestinian protesters, organized by the "U.S. Palestinian Community Network," brought traffic to a standstill in Chicago on Dec. 23.

A caravan of nearly 100 vehicles disrupted traffic on I-190 and Mannheim Road near O'Hare International Airport, causing a temporary standstill before roads were reopened.

The demonstrators obstructing traffic near O’Hare changed slogans such as "No Christmas as Usual."

“Palestinian Protests today ... 12-23-23 ... so do whatever you want and just get a ticket ... this was an order from mayor BJ to stand down ... disrupting a highway and airport during holiday traffic ... state and fed charges ... and only tickets ... this is prepping for the DNC ... the crew in power at city hall want revenge for 68 …” Sub X news said on X.

The move raised questions about the city's response strategy and its alignment with the mayor's directive.

The decision not to tow the vehicles involved but to issue tickets for illegal parking was revealed in audio released by WindyCity Weather and News.

A police leader was heard instructing units to use tickets instead of towing to avoid potential altercations.

“Would you please write this down and let all units know if they have a book of parkers (parking tickets) with them,” a policeman said on the radio.

“Anybody with a book of parkers just start putting them on the windows and walk away. We are not going to get in an altercation over it, but if they are not going to move, put them tickets on the windows.”

The protesters also confronted Democratic lawmakers at their Chicago homes.

The protesters first gathered outside the homes of U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.) and U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) , confronting them with chants of "Long live Palestine!" The group then moved to disrupt traffic on I-190 and Mannheim Road near O'Hare International Airport.

Durbin engaged with the protesters, expressing a commitment to do more for Palestinian civilians without specifying details.

The demonstrations were part of a broader wave of pro-Palestinian protests across the nation just before Christmas.

In New York City, protesters marched down 5th Avenue, expressing opposition to Israel's actions in Gaza and demanding the U.S. cut off aid to Israel.

Banners at the protests called for the U.S. to cut off aid to Israel.