CHICAGO − The local 12,000 police officers are geared up. The Secret Service is primed. City officials indicate their readiness. However, the same cannot be said for all residents.

This week, Chicago is set to host around 50,000 delegates, politicians, and party supporters for the Democratic National Convention, alongside a potentially large number of demonstrators expressing their views in the streets.

Security measures, including fences, barricades, and snow plows parked strategically, have created significant restrictions in central areas, with helicopters flying overhead. Frustrated business owners fear losing revenue, while some residents and tourists feel the heightened security presence is excessive.

Visitor Kai Lei, a 29-year-old dentist from Great Falls, Montana, voiced concerns on Saturday regarding the need for such strict measures, describing them as over-the-top.

“I understand the reasons behind the security for everyone’s safety, but it certainly looks a bit extreme,” Lei remarked.

A tense background

The convention is taking place during ongoing conflict in Gaza and follows an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump on July 13, along with incidents of sabotage affecting public transportation during the Paris Olympics. Vice President Kamala Harris is anticipated to accept the party’s nomination on Thursday.

On Sunday evening, a smaller group of protesters marched down Michigan Avenue, displaying flags while being closely monitored by officers on bicycles lining one side of the street.

The peaceful crowd chanted “Free, free, free Palestine,” accompanied by drumbeats and whistles, attracting the attention of onlooking tourists. Some demonstrators held signs in support of abortion rights and LGBTQ equality. Although Chicago is accustomed to protests, this was the first organized demonstration of the convention week.

In advance of the convention, Mayor Brandon Johnson has aligned himself with the Chicago police, emphasizing that the city will not tolerate any disorder from protesters. Johnson, who previously worked as a teachers’ union organizer, has received support from many activists who plan to protest at the event. Some prominent union leaders have expressed solidarity with the demonstrators targeting Democratic officials.

“Let me be very clear: Chicago is prepared to host the 2024 Democratic National Convention,” stated John Robertson, the city’s chief operating officer, last week. “We’re here to show that Chicago can shine — to illustrate that we can host the most democratic activities and to ensure the full expression of our First and Fourth Amendment rights.”

Having hosted 25 nominating conventions since 1860, Chicago holds the record among U.S. cities, though the 1968 Democratic convention remains a particularly vivid memory for many activists. During that year, demonstrators protesting the Vietnam War experienced violent clashes with Chicago police and the Illinois National Guard, resulting in numerous injuries.

This year, protest organizers have pressed city officials for more opportunities and space to march, claiming that limitations imposed on them infringe their constitutional rights. City regulations require large groups to acquire permits, restrict the routes for marches, and limit access to public parks and spaces for rallies.

While officials remain uncertain about the number of demonstrators expected, preliminary permit requests indicate up to 6,000 participants could march on Monday, with organizers projecting the figure could be closer to 10,000.

Inside Su Taqueria El Rey Del Taco, locals Maida Contreras and Jackie Martinez expressed hope that the city had adequately prepared for the upcoming events.

“I’ve already told my family, ‘Don’t even think about visiting,'” noted Contreras.

Both Contreras and Martinez are apprehensive about potential chaos and destruction, recalling the devastation witnessed in the city during the protests over George Floyd’s death four years ago.

“I’m much more alert this time around. That’s what makes living close to the convention so worrisome,” Martinez expressed. “We hope everything stays peaceful and that nothing violent happens.”

A heavy security presence

Areas such as Chicago Avenue near the prominent North Michigan Avenue shopping district and the McCormick Place convention center are under strict lockdown. Numerous officers on bicycles, adorned with illuminated helmets, have been patrolling at night, prompting many bystanders to capture the scene on their smartphones.

The convention is set to take place in the lakefront-centered McCormick Place, where significant addresses from Kamala Harris, President Joe Biden, former President Barack Obama, and former First Lady Michelle Obama will occur at the United Center, located five miles to the northwest.

In a manner similar to last month’s Republican National Convention held in Milwaukee, the Democratic convention is classified as a “National Special Security Event,” overseen by the Secret Service. This designation entails major road closures, vehicle inspections, and TSA-style screenings as one approaches the event locales.

The closures are also impacting local businesses eager to attract attendees. At Su Taqueria El Rey Del Taco, located near the United Center, staff prepared for a surge of convention attendees and even planned to cycle to work if vehicle inspections took too long.

“We’re ready to serve,” said cashier Chris Garcia. “We’re excited to have the event here.”

How many protesters are expected in Chicago?

Demonstrations have been authorized for Sunday evening, most of Monday, and again on Thursday, with participants from various groups including the Coalition for Reproductive Justice, LGBTQ+ Liberation, and the U.S. Palestinian Community Network. Additionally, a “speaker platform” has been set up in a park just a few blocks north of the United Center.

Experts believe the Gaza-focused “March on the DNC 2024” will be the largest protest, with plans for marches on Monday and Thursday commencing at Union Park, located a few blocks northeast of the United Center. Cook County, which includes Chicago, hosts the largest Palestinian-American community in the United States.

Organizers of the “March on the DNC” are advocating for the party to take action to cease Israel’s military actions in Gaza, reduce mass incarceration, and limit the deportation of migrants.

More protests are anticipated as well. A group named Bodies Outside of Unjust Laws plans to march on Sunday evening near Michigan Avenue, close to where many delegates will be located, demanding that Democratic leaders enhance protections for LGBTQ and reproductive rights, expecting up to 3,000 participants.

Last month, a “March on the RNC” protest in Milwaukee was expected to draw about 5,000 individuals, according to organizers, but only about 500 showed up.

City officials indicate that they are actively balancing the right to protest with the need for public safety, particularly regarding the movement of emergency vehicles. Police have stated they are equipped to apprehend anyone obstructing traffic, vandalizing property, or causing disturbances.

Police Superintendent Snelling assured residents that officers will maintain a presence throughout the city. Outside help from police departments in Milwaukee and other cities is being utilized for security during the convention.

“It’s important to remember we have a city to protect, not just around the venues for the Democratic National Convention,” remarked Snelling. “The Chicago Police Department will be active in every neighborhood ensuring safety.”

To mitigate any risks, certain businesses have opted to close during the convention. This includes both locations of the upscale Solo Salon in the West Loop neighborhood.

“Many of our staff were anxious about their cars parked on the street, the potential for client cancellations, and our valet service wasn’t willing to work due to the city closing many roads,” owner Kristine Singer explained. “If we cannot operate at full capacity, it seems prudent to heed our staff’s concerns and take care of what’s best for our business.”

Singer reflected on the “terrifying violence” experienced in 2020 and wishes to protect her nearly 20-year-old business. She considered boarding up the storefront at the last moment.

“In the long run, we’d prefer to be cautious than regretful.”