CHICAGO (WLS) — A group of peaceful protesters gathered near Navy Pier on Saturday morning as Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem attended Chicago’s iconic “Christmas Tree Ship” event.

“What she’s been doing to the public is absolutely terrible and what the Trump administration has been doing to the public overall,” said demonstrator Scott Gamassin.

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The group appeared closer to the event earlier Saturday, but Chicago police eventually pushed them back.

While the demonstrators seemed to be off of Navy Pier property around 9:30 a.m., they could still be heard through a bullhorn, protesting Noem’s presence.

“There’s generosity by the Coast Guard and by our government, but it’s a photo op for her to be here as if she is helping Chicagoans,” said demonstrator Jean Juarez.

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They held signs and chanted about immigration operations in Chicago as Noem was on hand to help unload trees from the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw.

“I’ve always believed there’s an old proverb that says, what you see with your eyes is what you carry in your heart,” Noem said. “We were created to serve each other and we are happier when we do that. When we, physically, mentally and spiritually, when we are fulfilling the purpose to which we were created.”

The U.S. Coast Guard is delivering more than 1,200 free trees, donated by the Chicago’s Christmas Ship Committee, for local families in need.

“This event is a great reminder of what service is, which is giving,” said Coast Guard Com. Theresa Bigay.

Ada S. McKinley Community Services will then load the trees into U-Hauls and drive them off to nonprofit organizations across Chicago to pass out to our neighbors.

“It really gets you in the Christmas spirit. I know every time I come home I smell like Christmas trees for the next month or so,” said Nick Toman with Venturing Crew 413.

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This event, back for a 26th year, is a Chicago Christmas staple that has warmed hearts for decades.

“I think it’s a fantastic opportunity to be able to give everyone the holiday spirit that I think everyone deserves – being able to give Christmas trees. Being able to spread the kindness, spread the love,” said Aidan Joschko with Venturing Crew 413.

Since the Christmas Tree Ship started making its way to Chicago, more than 30,000 Christmas trees have been donated to neighbors free of charge.

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