UPDATE: Protests are escalating across the Chicago area today, following the U.S. military’s dramatic strikes in Venezuela and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro. Demonstrators gathered in downtown Chicago just hours after President Donald Trump announced the military action, which has sparked widespread outrage and support.
Demonstrations are set to continue this afternoon, October 15, 2023, with events planned in both Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood and Schaumburg. Federal Plaza was a focal point last night, where hundreds expressed their discontent, labeling the strikes an “unnecessary act of war.” Many protesters argue that the Trump administration should prioritize domestic issues over foreign military engagements.
While some Venezuelans celebrate Maduro’s ousting, questions loom over the legality of the strikes, particularly regarding Congress’s lack of notification. The operation has ignited a fierce debate about U.S. interventionism and its broader implications. Demonstrators voiced concerns over potential parallels to past U.S. conflicts, raising fears about the ramifications of such military actions.
In a significant twist, Maduro is now being held in a detention center in Brooklyn, New York, facing serious drug and weapons charges. His vice president has already addressed the nation via state television, demanding Maduro’s release and condemning the U.S. action.
As protests gain momentum, the urgency of the situation continues to escalate. The outcome of these demonstrations and the international response to the U.S. strikes will be critical to watch in the coming days. Stay tuned for updates as authorities monitor the ongoing unrest.
