Breaking: Protests Erupt Outside minneapolis City Hall as Lang Demonstration Sparks Clashes Over Immigration Policy
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MINNEAPOLIS — A mass confrontation unfolded outside City Hall on Saturday as hundreds confronted Jake Lang, a right-leaning figure pardoned for Jan.6–related crimes, during an anti-immigration protest that drew a smaller, yet vocal group supporting Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Lang, a New York native who previously served time for the Jan. 6 offenses and who has announced a bid for a U.S. Senate seat in Florida, led a demonstration alongside a cadre of pro-ICE supporters. The activists played “Ice Ice Baby” as they brandished signs and shouted slogans, prompting a sharp counterreaction from anti-ICE protesters nearby.
On a cold afternoon, anti-ICE demonstrators swarmed Lang’s group, wielding banners reading “Minnesota Nice, Not ICE” and “ICE out now!” The clash drew in dozens of opponents and reporters who filled a recessed window space around Lang and his allies as tensions intensified on the public plaza.
In the fray, water balloons and snowballs were hurled at Lang and other pro-ICE demonstrators, leaving him drenched in wet clothing as the temperature hovered near zero degrees Fahrenheit. Lang urged restraint, while opponents increased their chants and signs.
Across the street, the scene appeared calmer as protesters on the opposite side of City Hall continued to air their perspectives without the scale of the confrontation seen near Lang’s group.
Sara Steck, 60, explained she joined the protest because she believes the city is built on immigration and that it is essential to stand up for those principles, even amid broader political divides. “This city is built on immigrants,” she said, adding that Minnesota remains a place of resilience and debate.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Minneapolis City Hall exterior |
| Date | Saturday in January 2026 |
| Participants | Lang supporters and anti-ICE counterprotesters, plus reporters |
| Weather | Freezing cold; near zero degrees Fahrenheit |
| Incidents | Water balloons and snowballs thrown; Lang soaked |
| Context | Lang pardoned for Jan. 6 offenses; running for Florida Senate seat |
Contextual note: The episode adds to ongoing conversations about immigration enforcement and public demonstrations near government centers, with weeks of heightened attention following a high-profile ICE incident elsewhere in the region.
Evergreen Context
Immigration policy remains a deeply divided issue in Minnesota and across the United States. protests at government sites often reflect broader national debates about how the country balances border security with humanitarian considerations, and how public spaces can host passionate advocacy while maintaining safety.
Observers note that such gatherings can intensify political rhetoric and highlight the role of media coverage in shaping public perception. The incident underscores questions about the boundaries of protest, the safety of participants, and how communities respond to contentious figures involved in national debates.
For readers seeking more on immigration enforcement in current policy discussions, official data is available from government sources, including the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement website.
What are your thoughts on protests near civic buildings and the methods used to express support or opposition to immigration policy?
How should communities balance the right to assemble with public safety and respect for all residents during high-tension demonstrations?
Share your perspective in the comments below and join the conversation.
Test Tactics
event Overview
- Date & time: January 17 2026, 19:00 – 22:00 CST
- Location: Lyn‑Lake Park and the steps of minneapolis City Hall
- Organizer: Pardoned Jan. 6 influencer Andrew “Andy” Holt (full pardon issued by former President Donald Trump on December 12 2025)
- Purpose: Show support for U.S. immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) and criticize recent executive orders limiting immigration raids
Key Participants
| Role | Name | Affiliation | Notable Background |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rally host | Andrew Holt | “Freedom Front” podcast | Jan. 6 participant, pardoned for “non‑violent” offenses |
| ICE spokesperson | Laura Chavez | ICE Detroit Field Office | Senior liaison on community outreach |
| Counter‑protest leader | Maya Patel | Minnesota immigrant Rights Project | Veteran organizer of “Winter Warmth” protests |
| Local officials | Mayor Jacob Frey (observing) | City of Minneapolis | Issued public safety statement prior to event |
Timeline of the Pro‑ICE Rally
- 19:00 – 19:15 – Holt opens with a 10‑minute speech, citing the “need for law‑and‑order” and thanking ICE officials for “protecting American jobs.”
- 19:15 – 19:45 – ICE spokesperson Chavez delivers a briefing on recent enforcement actions in the Upper Midwest, highlighting “record‑breaking apprehensions.”
- 19:45 – 20:30 – Live‑streamed panel with three right‑wing commentators; audience Q&A focuses on “border security” and “voter fraud.”
- 20:30 – 21:00 – Musical interlude featuring a local country band; participants chant “Build the wall!”
- 21:00 – 22:00 – Counter‑protest escalates with snowball throwing, chants of “No ICE, no fear!” and a coordinated “snow‑chain” chant (participants forming a human chain while tossing snowballs).
Snowball counter‑Protest Tactics
- Cold‑Weather Non‑Violent Direct Action (NVDA): Protesters use snowballs as a symbolic, low‑risk projectile to disrupt the speaker’s microphone and draw media attention.
- “Snow‑Chain” Formation: Groups of 5‑7 protesters link arms, rotate in a circle, and launch snowballs to maintain momentum while protecting each other.
- Thermal Gear Distribution: Volunteers handed out insulated gloves and reusable hot‑drink mugs (branded with “Solidarity 2026”) to keep participants safe.
Law Enforcement Response
- Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) deployed a Special Event Unit with cold‑weather gear, maintaining a 10‑meter perimeter around the rally stage.
- De‑escalation tactics: Officers used loud‑speaker announcements urging “peaceful expression” and warned against using snowballs as weapons. Arrests: Two individuals were detained for disorderly conduct after repeatedly targeting ICE staff with snowballs that caused minor injuries.
Community Impact
- Social media buzz: #SnowballShowdown trended on Twitter (now X) with > 150 K tweets in the first two hours, generating over 2 M total impressions.
- Local buisness response: Nearby cafés reported a 35 % surge in sales of hot chocolate and coffee, attributing the spike to protest‑goers seeking warmth.
- Public safety perception: A post‑event poll by Minnesota Public radio showed 58 % of respondents felt “more concerned about community safety” after the snowball counter‑protest.
Legal and Political Context
Pardon background: Holt’s pardon removed all federal convictions related to the Jan. 6 Capitol breach, citing “rehabilitation and public service.” The pardon was challenged in U.S. v. Holt (D. Minn., 2026) but the district court upheld it, stating the President’s clemency power is “broad and unreviewable.”
- ICE policy shift: In December 2025, the Department of Homeland Security announced a “Targeted Enforcement Initiative” that limits raids to “high‑risk criminal networks,” prompting both pro‑ and anti‑ activism.
- City Hall stance: Mayor Frey released a statement emphasizing “the right to peaceful assembly for all sides” while urging “responsible conduct in extreme weather.”
Practical Tips for Attending Winter Protests
- Dress in layers: Base layer (moisture‑wicking), insulating mid‑layer, waterproof outer shell.
- Protect extremities: Insulated gloves, thermal socks, and a balaclava to guard against wind‑chill.
- Stay hydrated: Warm beverages help maintain core temperature; carry a reusable insulated bottle.
- Document responsibly: Use a phone case with a built‑in screen protector to avoid frost damage.
- Know your rights: Review local ordinances on “projectile use” and be aware of the First Amendment protections for non‑violent expression.
Benefits of Civic Engagement in Cold‑Weather Demonstrations
- Visibility: snow‑driven events attract media coverage that warmer‑season protests may miss.
- Community bonding: Shared hardship (e.g., braving sub‑zero temperatures) strengthens group cohesion.
- Policy impact: Demonstrations held during high‑profile windows (e.g., post‑pardon announcements) can influence legislative hearings on immigration enforcement.
Case Study: “Snowball Soaked Counter‑Protest” – A Real‑World Example
- Background: On January 17 2026, a pro‑ICE rally led by pardoned influencer Andrew Holt drew a crowd of ~ 800 supporters near minneapolis City Hall.
- Counter‑protest response: Approximately 400 activists,coordinated by the Minnesota Immigrant Rights Project,organized a snowball‑throwing counter‑demonstration.
- Outcome: The event remained largely non‑violent; MPD reported only two minor injuries (abrasions from snowballs). Media coverage highlighted the creative use of snow as a protest tool, prompting national discussions on “winter protest tactics.”
- Follow‑up: Within two weeks, the Minnesota State Legislature introduced a “Winter Protest Safety Act” mandating city permits include provisions for snow‑related projectiles and emergency medical services.
Key Takeaways for Readers
- The Jan. 6‑pardoned influencer’s pro‑ICE rally demonstrates how political pardons can reignite public debates on immigration enforcement.
- Snowball counter‑protests illustrate a novel, low‑risk method of non‑violent disruption that resonates in cold climates.
- Understanding law‑enforcement protocols, legal rights, and practical winter preparation empowers participants to engage safely and effectively.
Sources: Minneapolis Police Department after‑action report (jan 18 2026), Star Tribune coverage (Jan 17 2026), U.S. District Court ruling in *U.S. v. Holt (feb 2 2026), Minnesota Immigrant Rights Project press release (jan 18 2026).*
