US: Heightened security, transport disruptions, protests almost certain in Chicago, Illinois, Aug. 19-22 amid Democratic National Convention

Heightened security, road closures, and protests are almost certain in Chicago, Illinois, Aug. 19-22, as the city hosts the Democratic National Convention. During the event, the Democratic Party will present Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as their presidential and vice presidential nominees for the November presidential election.

The United Center, located in the Near West Side area, will serve as the main venue for the convention; authorities will establish a security perimeter around the facility which will be closed to the general public, and where vehicles will be screened, starting 19:00 Aug. 17. The closure zone will encompass an area with the following approximate boundaries:

• West Washington Boulevard in the north;

• West Adams Street in the south;

• North Paulina Street in the east;

• and North Hoyne Avenue, South Seely Avenue, and South Damen Avenue in the west.

Additionally, starting 22:00 Aug. 16, similar restrictions will be in place around McCormick Place convention center, in the South Loop area, with the following approximate boundaries:

• East 21st Street in the north;

• East 24th Place and Stevenson Expressway in the south;

• McCormick Place Busway in the east;

• and South Michigan Avenue in the west.

Authorities will also install fences around these two sites. Heightened security and transport and business disruptions are also possible in and around several parks, restaurants, hotels, and arenas in the city, where convention-related events will be hosted.

Numerous protests are likely in Chicago as the convention is taking place. There are two designated locations for the demonstrations: Union Park and Park #578, both of them near the United Center. Some protests are likely to have thousands of participants, especially those organized by "March on the DNC", an umbrella-organization of dozens of Pro-Palestinian groups from all over the US. The organization has been preparing for the convention for months and has scheduled two main marches, both from Union Park: at 12:00 Aug. 19, and at 17:00 Aug. 22. Additional demonstrations, in this and other sites throughout Chicago, are likely during the convention. Some of the protests may turn violent and include clashes with security forces, especially if demonstrators attempt to enter the United Center or the security area around it. Counter-protests cannot be ruled out.

Significant transport and business disruptions are likely near the main sites of the DNC through at least the morning of Aug. 23. Higher-than-usual traffic congestion is also likely in other parts of Chicago. Authorities will almost certainly maintain a very tight security posture throughout the city, including at airports, public transport hubs, government buildings, and prominent public sites.