No arrests were made in a pro-Palestinian protest on December 23 led to a traffic standstill near O'Hare International Airport, causing disruptions during one of the busiest travel weekends.
The absence of arrests during the protest has sparked discussions about the city's response strategy and concerns about balancing public safety with the right to peaceful expression.
The demonstration, organized by the "U.S. Palestinian Community Network," involved a caravan of nearly 100-vehicle caravan caused temporary standstills on I-190 and Mannheim Road near O'Hare International Airport, blocking roads and prompting concerns about missed flights as protesters conveyed messages like "No Christmas as Usual."
Reports suggested that Mayor Brandon Johnson ordered the police to stand down, raising questions about the city's response strategy and alignment with the mayor's directive.
In video footage posted by Sub X News, protesters could be seen exiting their vehicles on Interstate 190 at the intersection of Mannheim Road, waving Palestinian flags.
The demonstration caused chaos on roads, leading to temporary closures and delays.
“Not towing, just writing parking tickets CPD now requesting OHare CPD SWAT to the scene on Mannheim,” Sub X News reported on X.
Cherry Valley resident Jeremy Rice, who was in a limo being transported from the airport, shared real-time updates on Facebook about the unfolding situation.
"This is us at O'Hare right now. Cops need help up here; the Palestinians are causing havoc," Rice said on Facebook.
He added that the protesters were blocking traffic with the intention of causing people to miss their flights.
Rice's Facebook post prompted numerous responses from individuals who claimed to have seen the group at other protests, including those in downtown Chicago and at the Cherryvale Mall in Rockford.
Some comments suggested that warnings about such incidents had been circulating.
”They said this was going to happen. This is just the beginning!” Corey Green said in response.
Mount Prospect resident Jim Rasmussen also shared details about the incident.
“The entrance to O'hare is completely blocked off with protesters shutting down the road into the airport,” Rasmussen said on Facebook.
Subsequent reports revealed the decision not to tow the vehicles but to issue tickets for illegal parking, as captured in audio released by WindyCity Weather and News.
Concerns about potential alterations were cited as a reason for this approach.
Alerts Sign-up