Anti-ICE Protesters Target Protest Organized by Pardoned Jan. 6 Defendant in Minneapolis

The governor deployed the state National Guard to assist state police in law enforcement efforts as demonstrators and counter protesters clashed.

Jake Lang (C), who organized the protest March Against Minnesota Fraud, clutches his head as he leaves the rally near Minneapolis City Hall, on Jan. 17, 2026. Yuki Iwamura AP Photo

Pardoned Jan. 6 defendant Jake Lang’s attempts to hold a rally on Jan. 17 in support of federal immigration enforcement efforts in Minneapolis were targeted by hundreds of counter protesters.

Lang had hosted a demonstration in support of Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) immigration enforcement. He had announced on social media intentions to “burn a Quran” on the steps of City Hall in Minneapolis, leading to a standoff between his supporters and protesters who had gathered around the scene, yelling over Lang’s attempts to speak and chasing away a pro-ICE group.