More than 20,000 protesters are expected to gather near the Democratic National Convention in Chicago next week, with 264 protest groups participating in causes such as Palestinian rights, ending the war in Gaza, and various left-leaning issues. Arab American groups in Chicago have expressed concerns about police targeting their community, citing racial profiling and surveillance. The Chicago Police Department has a history of excessive force and racial bias complaints, resulting in millions of dollars in misconduct settlements. Law enforcement experts warn of tensions due to investigations into pro-Palestinian groups and potential ties to terror organizations.
The Chicago Police Department is under a consent decree and has vowed to allow peaceful protests but will not tolerate violence or vandalism. Protest leaders are worried about a limited protest area, fearing mass arrests, and have engaged in legal battles with the city over space. The U.S. Secret Service has partnered with local law enforcement on security plans for the convention. Protesters have pledged to remain peaceful, but concerns remain about police actions.
The Arab American community in Chicago has faced scrutiny from law enforcement post-9/11, with some groups under investigation for ties to terrorism. Rasmea Odeh, a former member of USPCN, was deported for lying on immigration forms about her past terrorism conviction. Samidoun, another pro-Palestinian group in the coalition, has been banned in two countries for allegedly supporting terror organizations. The upcoming protests are expected to be a high-stakes event, with tensions running high between protesters and law enforcement agencies.
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