As anger over aggressive federal immigration operations in the Twin Cities continues to mount, hundreds of protesters opposing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) overwhelmed and forced out a small group of far-right influencer Jake Lang and activists during a tense rally in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Saturday.
Demonstrators gathered near City Hall to demand that ICE and Border Patrol agents leave the city. Chanting slogans and holding signs, protesters accused federal authorities of using violent and discriminatory tactics in immigrant communities, particularly targeting Somali and Latino residents. Tensions were already high following the killing of Renee Nicole Good, a 34-year-old U.S. citizen and mother of three, who was shot and killed by a federal immigration agent during a confrontation earlier this month.
Just a week later, a Venezuelan immigrant was shot in a separate incident, further fueling public outrage and prompting daily protests across Minneapolis.
Who is influencer Jake Lang?
Into the volatile atmosphere stepped Jake Lang, a far-right influencer and one of more than 1,500 individuals pardoned by President Donald Trump for convictions related to the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. Lang had announced what he described as an “anti-fraud” rally, which critics said was a thinly veiled anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim demonstration.
Only about ten supporters attended Lang’s rally. Within minutes, hundreds of counter-protesters surrounded them, shouting them down, blocking attempts to speak, and forcing the group to retreat toward the Minneapolis municipal government complex.
After about an hour, the far-right demonstrators were chased several blocks to a nearby hotel, with protesters shouting for them to leave the city. Although a few brief scuffles occurred, Reuters journalists at the scene reported no serious violence.
What Jake Lang claimed on social media platform
Later, Lang claimed on social media platform X that he was stabbed during an altercation but was unharmed because his protective vest blocked the attack. Minneapolis police said they were aware of Lang’s post but had received no official report of a stabbing or any injuries related to the protest.
Why Protests daily
Police largely kept their distance throughout the confrontation, allowing the opposing demonstrations to unfold without direct intervention.
Protests have taken place daily since the Department of Homeland Security sharply increased immigration enforcement in Minneapolis and neighboring Saint Paul, deploying more than 2,000 federal officers. Demonstrators accuse ICE agents of wearing masks, forcibly removing people from homes and vehicles, and using intimidation tactics that have traumatized immigrant families.
The Trump administration has also faced criticism for its account of Renee Good’s death. Federal officials labeled her a “domestic terrorist,” a claim disputed by her family, community members, and video evidence from the scene.
President Trump has defended the enforcement surge by citing alleged fraud involving federal social welfare programs in Minnesota. He and other administration officials have repeatedly singled out the state’s Somali immigrant community, using language civil rights groups say is racist. Trump has previously referred to the community as “garbage,” drawing widespread condemnation.
As tensions continue to rise, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has mobilized the National Guard to support the Minnesota State Patrol if needed. Guard officials said troops are “staged and ready” to assist with traffic control and protect peaceful assembly, though they have not yet been deployed.
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