SEE IT: Protests erupt, businesses board up outside the DNC in Chicago

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Chicago trucker at DNC to bring awareness to free hostages held by Hamas

Trucker Jeremiah Smith on his efforts to locate his close friend Hersh Goldberg-Polin, who was taken hostage by Hamas on Oct. 7.

Anti-Israel protesters are swarming outside the Democratic National Convention in Chicago as police gear up for a week of unrest in the city.

The four-day convention kicks off Monday at the United Center near the West Side, where as many as 100,000 anti-Israel demonstrators are expected to protest throughout the week.

At least seven large demonstrations took place on the eve of the convention on issues from abortion to voicing objections to U.S. support for Israel, the Chicago Tribune reported.

The city prepared for discord by fencing off the convention center and recruiting a heavy police presence to the scene.

DEMS PROJECT IMAGES ON TRUMP TOWER AHEAD OF DNC

Revolutionary Communists of America outside the Democratic National Convention (DNC). (Fox News Digital)

Police clash with anti-Israel agitators marching ahead of the Democratic National Convention on Aug. 18, 2024, in Chicago. (Getty Images)

Protestors gather outside the Democratic National Convention (DNC). (Fox News Digital)

Gov. JB Pritzker, D-Ill., said around 150 Illinois National Guard members are on "standby" for the convention, Fox 32 reported. 

Pro-Israel demonstrators gather outside the Democratic National Convention (DNC). (Fox News Digital)

Police and anti-Israel agitators clash in downtown Chicago on Aug. 18, 2024. (Jim Vondruska/Getty Images)

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Businesses also boarded up their doors ahead of the anticipated protests.

A downtown business was boarded up in anticipation of violent protests during the Democratic National Convention on Aug. 18, 2024, in Chicago. (John Moore/Getty Images)

Downtown businesses prepared for protests during the Democratic National Convention on Aug. 18, 2024. (John Moore/Getty Images)

More than 300 police officers joined Police Superintendent Larry Snelling on Saturday for a police training session ahead of the convention, the Chicago Police Department shared in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

A Chicago police officer watches as anti-Israel agitators march ahead of the Democratic National Convention on Aug. 18, 2024. (Jim Vondruska)

Police on bicycles stage on Upper Wacker Drive for an anti-Israel protest ahead of the Democratic National Convention on Aug. 18, 2024 in Chicago. The convention runs from Aug. 19-22. (Jim Vondruska/Getty Images)

President Biden is scheduled to deliver an opening night address Monday to pass the torch to Vice President Kamala Harris.

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The convention, where Harris will formally accept the Democratic nomination, will take place from Aug. 19 to 22.