Hundreds of demonstrators opposing U.S. immigration enforcement pushed a small group of far-right activists out of a rally in Minneapolis on Saturday, amid heightened tensions following the fatal shooting of a local resident by a federal immigration agent earlier this month. The confrontation unfolded as anti-ICE protesters gathered near City Hall, chanting slogans demanding that Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol agents leave the city. Within minutes, the larger crowd advanced toward roughly 10 right-wing demonstrators, pressing them against the exterior of a municipal building.
Some protesters threw water balloons that struck the far-right activists as they stood in subzero temperatures, with wind chills dropping to around minus 20 degrees Celsius.
Police Hold Back as Rallies Unfold
Law enforcement officers largely stayed on the sidelines as the opposing groups confronted each other. About an hour after the demonstrations began, the far-right activists retreated several blocks to a nearby hotel, followed closely by hundreds of anti-ICE demonstrators who shouted insults and demanded they leave the city.
Although a few brief scuffles were reported, no serious injuries were observed by reporters at the scene.
Influencer Claims Attack, Police Cite No Reports
The far-right rally was organised by Jake Lang, an online activist who was among those pardoned by Donald Trump after convictions linked to the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. Lang described the event as an “anti-fraud” rally, though his attempts to address the crowd were drowned out by chants from counter-protesters.
Later, Lang claimed on social media platform X that he had been stabbed during an altercation, saying a protective vest prevented injury. Reuters was unable to verify the claim.
Minneapolis police said they were aware of Lang’s post but had received no official report of a stabbing or injuries related to the protests. Officers noted that while video footage suggested some people may have been hurt, those individuals left the area before police could make contact.
Community Tensions and Immigration Debate
The anti-ICE demonstration was organised by the People’s Action Coalition Against Trump. Protesters said they were responding to increased immigration enforcement in Minnesota, which has seen nearly 3,000 ICE and Border Patrol agents deployed to Minneapolis and neighbouring St. Paul in recent weeks.
President Trump has cited alleged misuse of federal social welfare funds in Minnesota as justification for the enforcement surge, frequently singling out the state’s Somali immigrant community.
“We’re here to support our Somali neighbours,” said Laura, a 56-year-old protester who declined to give her last name. “They asked allies to show up because many are too afraid to leave their homes. I’m exercising my First Amendment rights on their behalf.”
Lang has previously made anti-Muslim and antisemitic statements and has said he wants the United States to be secured for white Christians. He has appeared at several small pro-ICE rallies in the area and has repeatedly targeted Somali immigrants, many of whom are Muslim.
Broader Fallout After Fatal Shooting
The protests follow the killing of Renee Good, a 37-year-old U.S. citizen and mother of three, who was fatally shot by an ICE agent after driving away from officers who ordered her to exit her vehicle. Authorities said the agent feared for his life, though video footage has raised questions about the circumstances of the shooting.
The incident has intensified political tensions in Minnesota, where Democratic leaders have clashed with the Trump administration. The U.S. Justice Department has since opened an investigation into Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, further deepening the standoff between federal and local authorities.