In Minneapolis, a contested confrontation unfolded Saturday as a modest gathering supporting the Trump administration's intensified immigration crackdown was quickly overtaken by a larger crowd of counterprotesters. Despite the small size of the demonstration organized by a far-right activist, the opposing group vocally opposed the operation, underscoring the division within the city about federal immigration enforcement measures.
The Department of Homeland Security recently escalated immigration enforcement activities across Minneapolis and St. Paul, deploying over 2,000 federal officers to the area. This operation has sparked daily protests in the Twin Cities, reflecting widespread dissent among residents.
Jake Lang, a conservative social media figure known for his anti-Islam and anti-Somali positions and outspoken support for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), arranged a demonstration near City Hall. Ahead of the event, Lang announced intentions to burn a Quran on the steps of City Hall, though it remains uncertain if this act occurred during the rally.
Attendance at Lang’s rally was sparse, while hundreds of counterprotesters gathered, vociferously drowning out his attempts to speak. The opposing crowd also compelled at least one participant to remove a shirt deemed offensive, and chased the supporters of ICE from the vicinity. Lang departed the scene appearing injured, displaying bruises and scrapes on his head.
Further tensions escalated in Minneapolis as snowballs and water balloons were reportedly thrown amid the protests. In response, an armored police vehicle and officers clad in riot gear were deployed to maintain order.
Luke Rimington, a protest participant, articulated the sentiments of many counterprotesters, stating, "We’re out here to show Nazis and ICE and DHS and MAGA you are not welcome in Minneapolis. Stay out of our city, stay out of our state. Go home."
The Minnesota National Guard, under orders from Governor Tim Walz, was officially mobilized to support law enforcement efforts. According to a statement, the Guard was prepared to assist with traffic management, safeguarding lives and property, and facilitating the rights of all Minnesotans to peacefully assemble. However, although they were "staged and ready," as noted by Guard spokesperson Maj. Andrea Tsuchiya, deployment to the city streets had not yet occurred.
Governor Walz, a Democrat often critical of federal immigration policies and a frequent target of former President Trump, had previously instructed the Guard to prepare to assist local authorities amid rising tensions. The deployment readiness follows over a week of protests against aggressive immigration enforcement behavior, including officers detaining individuals at their homes and vehicles.
The crackdown in this predominantly liberal metropolitan region has led to at least one fatality. Renee Good, a mother of three and U.S. citizen, was fatally shot by an ICE officer on January 7 during a confrontation related to the enforcement operation.
A recent federal court ruling prohibits ICE officers from detaining or using tear gas against peaceful demonstrators who are not obstructing official duties, even when such protesters observe enforcement activities.
At a news conference on Saturday, Garrison Gibson, a 38-year-old man who fled civil war in Liberia during childhood, shared his experience of living in fear since his release from immigration detention after an arrest last weekend. A video showing federal agents using a battering ram to force entry into Gibson’s residence on January 11 has become emblematic for opponents of the crackdown.
Gibson faces deportation proceedings linked to a 2008 drug conviction subsequently dismissed. He has maintained legal status through an order of supervision for the past 17 years, routinely checking in with immigration authorities. Following a recent arrest, a judge found inadequate notice was given regarding the revocation of his supervision. However, Gibson was taken into custody again for several hours following a routine check-in last Friday. His cousin, Abena Abraham, asserted that this second arrest was directed by White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, a claim denied by White House officials.
Although Gibson was transferred to a detention facility in Texas, he was returned to Minneapolis after a judge's ruling. Amid freezing temperatures, Gibson’s family resorted to using a dumbbell to keep their damaged front door closed and incurred $700 in repairs from the forced entry.
At the news conference, Gibson expressed his apprehension by stating, "I don’t leave the house." In contrast, the Department of Homeland Security labeled the judiciary as "activist" for attempting to halt deportations, with Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin affirming commitment to removing unauthorized individuals residing in the country.
Gibson emphasized his compliance with legal requirements, saying, "If I was a violent person, I would not have been out these past 17 years, checking in."
Jake Lang’s controversial history includes prior charges of assaulting a law enforcement officer with a baseball bat and civil disorder. He received clemency last year through a broad pardon for individuals charged in connection with the January 6 events. Lang has recently declared his candidacy for the U.S. Senate in Florida.