CM Punk supports No Kings protest in Chicago by joining demonstrators and union leaders during a weekend of widespread protests that coincided with both the US Army’s 250th Anniversary Parade and President Donald Trump’s birthday. The event drew attention as the wrestling star publicly showed opposition to Trump’s mass deportation proposals, intensifying the ongoing debate over immigration policy in the United States.
CM Punk Stands With Teachers and Protestors in Chicago
CM Punk, known for vocalizing his beliefs outside of the wrestling ring, joined the No Kings protest in Chicago alongside leaders from the American Federation of Teachers Union. In a photo released by the union, Punk stood with AFT Executive Vice President Evelyn DeJesus and Stacy Davis Gates of the Chicago Teachers Union, underlining his support for educators and protestors opposing recent federal actions.
This is not Punk’s first act of public solidarity with the teachers union; he previously donned a Chicago Teachers Union shirt during a televised appearance on WWE RAW in February 2025, reinforcing his ongoing relationship with the CTU. Over the June 14 weekend, No Kings protests occurred across multiple cities in the United States, their scheduling intentionally timed to coincide with the parade commemorating the Army’s 250 years and the birthday of President Donald Trump. The demonstrations were primarily a response to actions and policies attributed to Trump’s second term, with participants raising concerns over federal enforcement targeting immigrant communities.
Public Presence at Iconic Sites Demonstrates the Movement’s Reach
CM Punk was also photographed outside Chicago’s Trump International Hotel & Tower during the same weekend, further amplifying his stance against the administration’s direction. Protestors representing diverse communities, including educators and union members, gathered in prominent public spaces to express their disapproval of mass deportation initiatives.
The No Kings movement brought together individuals across different backgrounds, emphasizing unity against what they called policies of exclusion and division. The presence of public figures like CM Punk helped draw national attention and media coverage to the rallies, strengthening the message sent to both local communities and the federal government.
Federal Response Escalates: Trump Issues Directives to Immigration Officials
In direct response to the protests, President Trump issued new instructions to federal immigration officials, prioritizing deportations in cities under Democratic leadership such as Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York. Trump asserted these steps were necessary to fulfill his pledge for what he described as the most extensive mass deportation operation in US history. His statement on Truth Social further outlined his perspective:
“Our Nation’s ICE Officers have shown incredible strength, determination, and courage as they facilitate a very important mission, the largest Mass Deportation Operation of Illegal Aliens in History. Every day, the Brave Men and Women of ICE are subjected to violence, harassment, and even threats from Radical Democrat Politicians, but nothing will stop us from executing our mission, and fulfilling our Mandate to the American People. ICE Officers are herewith ordered, by notice of this TRUTH, to do all in their power to achieve the very important goal of delivering the single largest Mass Deportation Program in History. In order to achieve this, we must expand efforts to detain and deport Illegal Aliens in America’s largest Cities, such as Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York, where Millions upon Millions of Illegal Aliens reside. These, and other such Cities, are the core of the Democrat Power Center, where they use Illegal Aliens to expand their Voter Base, cheat in Elections, and grow the Welfare State, robbing good paying Jobs and Benefits from Hardworking American Citizens. These Radical Left Democrats are sick of mind, hate our Country, and actually want to destroy our Inner Cities — And they are doing a good job of it! There is something wrong with them. That is why they believe in Open Borders, Transgender for Everybody, and Men playing in Women’s Sports — And that is why I want ICE, Border Patrol, and our Great and Patriotic Law Enforcement Officers, to FOCUS on our crime ridden and deadly Inner Cities, and those places where Sanctuary Cities play such a big role. You don’t hear about Sanctuary Cities in our Heartland! I want our Brave ICE Officers to know that REAL Americans are cheering you on every day. The American People want our Cities, Schools, and Communities to be SAFE and FREE from Illegal Alien Crime, Conflict, and Chaos. That’s why I have directed my entire Administration to put every resource possible behind this effort, and reverse the tide of Mass Destruction Migration that has turned once Idyllic Towns into scenes of Third World Dystopia. Our Federal Government will continue to be focused on the REMIGRATION of Aliens to the places from where they came, and preventing the admission of ANYONE who undermines the domestic tranquility of the United States. To ICE, FBI, DEA, ATF, the Patriots at Pentagon and the State Department, you have my unwavering support. Now go, GET THE JOB DONE! DJT”
—Donald Trump, President of the United States
Community Reaction in Chicago Amid Political Division
The intensifying debate over the role of immigration enforcement in America’s largest cities was vividly displayed throughout the weekend’s protests. Demonstrators voiced concerns that mass deportations threaten immigrant communities, disrupt families, and undermine the social fabric in cities like Chicago. Organizers, including prominent union representatives, highlighted solidarity with those at risk and advocated for policies they believe protect the rights and dignity of all residents.
The event underscored sharp divides over immigration policy, the responsibilities of elected officials, and the meaning of community safety. With CM Punk lending his celebrity and platform to the movement, attention was drawn not only to the immediate protest but also to the ongoing contest between grassroots activism and federal authority.
Looking Ahead: Impact of the No Kings Movement
As the No Kings protests continue to gain traction and draw national attention, questions remain about the long-term effects of both the demonstrations and the Trump administration’s renewed focus on mass deportation. The strong stances taken by community leaders, public figures such as CM Punk, and advocacy organizations suggest the debate will remain at the forefront of American political life heading into future elections and policy discussions.
Chicago’s protest has become a focal point in the nationwide conversation about the rights of immigrant communities and the boundaries of federal power. With high-profile support and persistent activism, the outcome of these confrontations will likely shape not just the immediate future of immigration policy, but the broader fabric of civic engagement in cities across the United States.
