‘I love my country’: Demonstrators take to the streets to protest Trump

Sign-waving demonstrators took to streets across the suburbs Saturday to express their disapproval of President Donald Trump’s policies as part of national “No Kings” rallies.

A rally in Buffalo Grove was particularly well attended, with more than 1,000 protesters occupying all four corners at Route 83 and Lake-Cook Road.

Many hoisted signs with messages such as “America Needs Kindness,” “Melt ICE” and “Enough is Enough.” Others raised banners of many colors and meanings — from the red, white and blue of the U.S. flag to the light blue, pink and white stripes that represent transgender pride.

Demonstrators found allies among the drivers who whizzed past them. Many honked their horns in solidarity and yelled encouragement.

“Rock on, rock on,” a woman driving a silver minivan hollered through an open window while she waited on Lake-Cook Road for a red light to turn green.

Buffalo Grove resident Liz Cooper was among the demonstrators in her hometown.

Wielding a homemade sign reading “I Love My Country,” Cooper said she doesn’t like what’s happening to the U.S.

“I’m worried about my kids and grandkids growing up in this nonsense,” she said.

Around the corner from Cooper, Democratic Lake County Board members Mariah Altenberg of Buffalo Grove and Paul Frank of Highland Park greeted demonstrators.

Altenberg said she wanted to support democracy with her constituents.

“The Buffalo Grove area is very democratic and wants Washington to hear our cries,” she said.

A smaller demonstration took shape at Heritage Park in Wheeling, not far from village hall, the police station and the Community Recreation Center. About 200 demonstrators waved signs at passing cars and chanted slogans including “ICE out of Wheeling.”

Wheeling has a sizable Hispanic population and has been a target of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents since Operation Midway Blitz launched last fall.

The Wheeling rally included remarks from Wheeling High School students and other activists. They talked about the immigration crackdown, rising gasoline and grocery prices and other concerns.

When the speeches were over, the demonstrators marched to nearby Dundee Road.

Pairs of uniformed police officers observed the peaceful crowd throughout the event.