In Minneapolis on Saturday, a far-right activist’s attempt to hold a rally in support of the Trump administration’s latest immigration crackdown was drowned out by hundreds of counterprotesters. The governor’s office announced that National Guard troops were mobilized but not yet deployed to city streets.
Protests have been ongoing since the Department of Homeland Security escalated immigration enforcement in Minneapolis and St. Paul by bringing in over 2,000 federal officers.
Conservative influencer Jake Lang organized an anti-Islam, anti-Somali, and pro-ICE demonstration, which was met with strong opposition from counterprotesters. Lang’s intention to “burn a Quran” was a point of contention.
Despite Lang’s small turnout, the counterprotesters were vocal in opposing his views and actions. Snowballs and water balloons were thrown, and police presence increased at the scene.
The announcement of National Guard mobilization came after ongoing protests against aggressive immigration enforcement tactics in the Twin Cities. A federal judge recently ruled against detaining or tear-gassing peaceful protesters.
National Guard ‘staged and ready’
Democratic Gov. Tim Walz mobilized the National Guard to support law enforcement in protecting Minnesotans’ rights to assemble peacefully. The Guard is prepared but not yet deployed.
