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Protesters March Against Trump For A Second Night In Chicago

By  DNAinfo Staff David Matthews and Joe Ward | November 10, 2016 7:44pm | Updated on November 10, 2016 10:32pm

 People gather outside Trump Tower for a second day of protests against Donald Trump.
People gather outside Trump Tower for a second day of protests against Donald Trump.
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DNAinfo/Joe Ward

DOWNTOWN — For the second night in a row, Chicagoans continue to march Downtown to protest Donald Trump's presidential win, holding up signs and chanting their displeasure with the outcome of Tuesday's election.

Over 100 people gathered shortly after 7 p.m. in front of Trump Tower, 401 N. Wabash Ave, before marching through the Loop and River North. They shouted "no hate, no fear, immigrants are welcome here," to show their support of immigrants.

The crowd was made up primarily of young people, many of them minorities and women. They said they wanted to show that oppression will not be tolerated under President-elect Trump.

Jessica Ebacher of Pilsen said she came out Thursday to show those discouraged by Trump that they have allies in Chicago.

"What's important is to make sure the people made vulnerable by Trump know there are people who support them," Ebacher said.

She said the vibe among her minority friends is grim after Tuesday's election. "I have trans friends, friends of color and undocumented friends," Ebacher said. "They're afraid right now."

The group snaked through Downtown sidewalks before finally taking to the street s near Wabash and and Jackson. Loop traffic was significantly impacted by the march.

Julian Torres, 16, from Ashburn says it took him over an hour to get Downtown on public transportation, but he said being with a crowd of like-minded people makes him feel better amid his fear of Trump's America.

"It just feels good to hear people feel the same way," Torres said.

A large contingent of Hispanic protesters joined the march against President elect Donald Trump Thursday Downtown. [DNAinfo/Joe Ward]

Torres, of Mexican descent, said many people he knows are scared. Not necessarily that Trump will deport undocumented immigrants ("I know Congress won't allow that", he said) but of what his bigotry could mean for their lives.

The protest was primarily young people, many not old enough to vote.

But just because they can't vote doesn't mean they can't voice their displeasure, Torres said.

"We're the future," he said. "We're concerned. We all dislike him."

The protesters regrouped outside Trump Tower, where young activist Lamon Reccord told the group demonstrations like this are needed to combat racism.

"We will not continue to be disrespected by the political establishment," he said. "What's going on today here and what's going on across America will impact the White House."

The 98-story skyscraper on the Chicago River has been a backdrop for Trump opponents' rallies since the controversial presidential-elect entered the race more than a year ago. Activists shut down a planned Trump campaign appearance here in March.

Tuesday's election stunned many American voters left reeling by the success of a candidate they feel is not only offensive but dangerous to various segments of society.

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