Izaithell Aguirre, 11, wraps herself in an American flag during a demonstration for a moratorium on deportations in Chicago. Organizers decided to have the protest on Jan. 21 to coincide with President Barack Obama's inauguration. Photo by Jonathan Gibby.

It was a historic day. The nation’s first black president was publicly sworn in for his second term. The ceremony took place on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and near where 50 years ago the slain civil rights leader delivered his “I Have A Dream” speech. And while those in Washington looked back on the country’s accomplishments, in Chicago, many immigration activists were also pressing forward.

At a downtown rally, organizers demanded that President Barack Obama do more to help undocumented immigrants during the next four years. Specifically protesters called for a moratorium on deportations, which reached record levels during Obama’s first term. Many demonstrators carried signs, some of which read: Stop the separation of families.

[Photos by Lucio Villa and Jonathan Gibby]

Izaithell Aguirre, 11, wraps herself in an American flag during a demonstration for a moratorium on deportations in Chicago. Organizers decided to have the protest on Jan. 21 to coincide with President Barack Obama’s inauguration. Photo by Jonathan Gibby.
A protester sporting a mask meant to resemble President Barack Obama carries signs during a Jan. 21 demonstration for a moratorium on deportations in Chicago. Photo by Jonathan Gibby.
A man carries a double-sided American-Mexican flag in downtown Chicago after a demonstration for a moratorium on deportations. Photo by Jonathan Gibby.
The Rev. Jose Landaverde at the Jan. 21 rally in Chicago. Photo by Lucio Villa.
A flag waving during the rally for a moratorium for deportations says: “Legalization for all immigrants.” Photo by Lucio Villa.
Immigrant supporters marched on Chicago’s Daley Plaza while in Washington D.C. President Barack Obama was publicly sworn in for his second term. The marchers want a moratorium on deportations and to stop the separation of families. Photo by Lucio Villa.