Hundreds of anti‑ICE protesters in Minneapolis forced a small far‑right group to abandon a planned march near a largely immigrant neighborhood, days after the fatal shooting of Renee Good by a federal immigration agent. Organizers said the demonstration was in solidarity with Somali neighbors amid the deployment of roughly 3,000 ICE and Border Patrol agents. Online influencer Jake Lang later claimed he was stabbed, but police said no formal report was filed and Reuters could not verify the claim. The events have intensified political tensions and prompted a Justice Department inquiry into local leaders.
Hundreds Of Anti‑ICE Protesters Drive Off Small Far‑Right Group In Minneapolis Amid Tensions After Renee Good Shooting
FILE PHOTO: A demonstrator holds a Minnesota state flag with the words, "ICE Out", during a protest outside the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building, more than a week after a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent fatally shot Renee Nicole Good on January 7, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S., January 16, 2026. REUTERS/Tim Evans/File Photo
Hundreds of anti‑ICE demonstrators in downtown Minneapolis pushed a small group of far‑right activists out of a planned march into a predominantly immigrant neighborhood on Saturday, escalating tensions in a city already on edge after the fatal shooting of Renee Good by a federal immigration agent 10 days earlier, Reuters reported.
What Happened
The anti‑ICE crowd gathered near City Hall, carrying signs and chanting for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol agents to leave Minneapolis. Scores of protesters surged forward and, within minutes, pressed roughly 10 right‑wing demonstrators against the exterior of the municipal government center. Onlookers reported water balloons being thrown at the smaller group as temperatures dropped to about -4°F (around -20°C) with wind chill.
Police largely maintained distance while the opposing gatherings unfolded. After about an hour, the far‑right contingent walked a few blocks to a nearby hotel under jeers from hundreds of anti‑ICE protesters. A few scuffles were reported, but Reuters reporters did not observe any serious injuries or major violence.
Influencer's Claim And Police Response
Jake Lang, an online right‑wing influencer who was among those pardoned by former President Donald Trump for convictions tied to the January 6 attack, organized what he called an "anti‑fraud" rally. Lang later posted on X that he had been stabbed during a scuffle and that a protective vest stopped the knife. Reuters could not independently verify his claim.
Minneapolis police told Reuters they were aware of Lang's social media post but said no formal report had been filed with the department. Authorities also said they had not received injury reports from victims related to the protests. Police noted camera footage showed people who appeared injured, but those individuals left before officers could contact them.
Context And Political Fallout
The anti‑ICE demonstration was organized by the People’s Action Coalition Against Trump and took place amid a much larger federal immigration enforcement presence in the Twin Cities. About 3,000 ICE and Border Patrol agents have been deployed to Minneapolis and St. Paul in recent weeks, part of a controversial operation that has drawn sharp criticism and political debate.
The deployments followed allegations of theft of federal funds intended for social‑welfare programs in Minnesota, rhetoric from the White House that has repeatedly singled out the state's Somali immigrant community, and the fatal shooting of Renee Good. Good, a U.S. citizen and mother of three, was shot after agents ordered her to exit her vehicle; DHS has said the officer was struck by the vehicle and feared for his life, though video footage has raised questions about the level of contact between the car and the agent.
Broader Impact
The confrontations and federal deployments have deepened political divisions in Minnesota. The U.S. Justice Department has opened an inquiry into Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey over aspects of the response. Protesters said they were showing solidarity with Somali neighbors who they said feel threatened by the heightened enforcement.
Note: This summary is based on Reuters reporting from the scene and statements from local authorities and participants.
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