NAACP to Host Rally to Defend Democracy, Protest Trump’s Weaponization of Government to Target Black Communities

CHICAGO – The NAACP announced today that it will host a rally and canvas to Defend Democracy on Thursday, October 16, 2025, in Chicago, Illinois, at Rainbow Push HQ, to protest the Trump administration's dangerous and unconstitutional deployment of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the National Guard to intimidate and control largely Black-occupied cities under the guise of "public safety." 

The Defending Democracy rally follows the military style raid of Black communities in the South Shore, where residents were inexplicably detained and threatened at gunpoint in the middle of the night. This is in addition to the National Guard being deployed in Memphis, Los Angeles, Portland, and our nation's capital, Washington, D.C., with other cities like Chicago under threat.  

"Trump's actions represent a disgusting abuse of power and a calculated attempt to intimidate Black and brown Americans," said Derrick Johnson, President and CEO of the NAACP. "Weaponizing the military and ICE against our communities is not about safety, it's about control. The NAACP will not stand by as our communities are treated as enemy combatants in our own country. We will rally, we will resist, and we will continue to fight for the dignity and freedom our people deserve." 

These raids and shows of force are a direct assault on Black communities, designed to sow fear, weaken civil rights, and weaponize the government against the very people it is meant to serve. 

The rally will call attention to how the militarization of ICE and the deployment of armed forces are not simply political theater. Following the rally, NAACP members and volunteers will canvass the surrounding neighborhood to provide 'Know Your Rights' resources when interacting with law enforcement, register voters, and survey locals regarding community safety. 

"History has shown us that when those in power feel threatened by progress, they resort to fear tactics," said Dominik Whitehead, Chief of Field, Membership Growth and Unit Sustainability. "This is about more than immigration policy — it's about authoritarian control. The NAACP is mobilizing to make clear that our communities will not be intimidated. We won't sit idly by while people of color are being oppressed. We demand peace, justice, and a government that serves people, not politics." 

The Defending Democracy rally will bring together local and national NAACP leaders, community activists, and allies to speak out against the militarization of American cities and to affirm a collective commitment to freedom, dignity, and safety for all. As the NAACP prepares to bring its 117th National Convention to Chicago in July 2026, the Association calls for an end to the military activities in Chicago and across the nation.   

Join us as we Defend Democracy.   
 
WHO: NAACP and Community Allies, local leaders and elected officials 

WHAT: Defending Democracy – a Rally to Protest against Trump's militarization of ICE and use of armed forces to intimidate Black communities 
 
WHEN: Thursday, October 16, 2025. Rally at 3:00 pm. Community Canvas starts at 3:30/4 pm.  
 
WHERE: Please email communications@naacpnet.org for address.

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ABOUT NAACP 

The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for the civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities. 

NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund – also referred to as the NAACP-LDF - was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but now operates as a completely separate entity.