Deidre Kemp, a 30-year-old woman who drove her car into a crowd of people protesting President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement policies in the Loop earlier this year, has been sentenced to “second chance probation,” as revealed in court records.
The sentencing was imposed by Judge Peggy Chiampas after Kemp pleaded guilty to aggravated reckless driving causing bodily harm last week.
According to prosecutors, Chicago police had already secured much of the Loop for the anti-Trump demonstration when Kemp disregarded officers’ attempts to redirect her. With her children in the car, she drove her 2003 Kia Spectra into the crowd near State Street and Monroe Street while yelling obscenities at officers who tried to stop her.
During the incident, a police sergeant attempted to stop Kemp by grabbing the steering wheel, but she swerved, causing the sergeant to lose balance and collide with 66-year-old Heather Blair. Blair sustained a broken arm, as well as bruises and scratches, according to prosecutors.
A CPD helicopter and a TV news chopper followed Kemp’s vehicle as she fled, capturing electronic evidence that aided in her identification.
During the protest against ICE in Downtown Chicago earlier today, a vehicle was caught on video nearly striking multiple pedestrians and a cyclist. Protesters can be seen briefly pursuing and hitting the car before it sped away from the scene without stopping. #chicago… pic.twitter.com/UcJe4xDPEm
— CHICAGO CRITTER (@ChicagoCritter) June 11, 2025
At the time of the Loop incident, Kemp was already out on bail in Will County for allegedly leaving the scene of an accident. She was not charged with intentionally trying to hit anyone during the protest.
In addition to probation, Judge Chiampas mandated that Kemp complete 100 hours of community service. If she fulfills all conditions, the charge will be dismissed, offering her the opportunity to move forward with a clean record.
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