Counterprotesters disperse far-right activists at Minneapolis pro-ICE rally

Hundreds of counterprotesters in Minneapolis overwhelmed a small pro-ICE rally organized by conservative influencer Jake Lang, who appeared injured as he left; the Minnesota National Guard was mobilized and staged but not deployed.

Hundreds of counterprotesters overwhelmed a small pro-ICE rally organized by conservative influencer Jake Lang outside Minneapolis City Hall on Saturday. Lang had said on social media he intended to burn a Quran, though reports did not confirm whether that occurred. Counterprotesters shouted over his remarks, chased the pro-ICE group away, and at least one person had a shirt removed by the crowd. Lang appeared to have bruises and scrapes as he left, and snowballs and water balloons were thrown before police in heavy gear and an armored van arrived. What we know: - A small pro-ICE rally was held by Jake Lang near City Hall while hundreds of counterprotesters converged on the site. - Lang said on social media he planned to burn a Quran; reports did not confirm whether that action took place. - Counterprotesters shouted, chased the pro-ICE group away, and removed an individual's shirt; Lang appeared injured with bruises and scrapes. - Snowballs and water balloons were thrown during the confrontation before heavily equipped city police and an armored van arrived. - The Minnesota National Guard said it had been mobilized by Governor Tim Walz to support the state patrol, and that it was staged and ready but had not been deployed. - The demonstration occurred amid daily protests following the Department of Homeland Security's expanded immigration enforcement in the Twin Cities earlier in January. Summary: The clash underscores heightened tensions in Minneapolis over recent federal immigration enforcement and has become part of ongoing daily protests in the Twin Cities. State authorities reported the National Guard was mobilized and staged but not deployed. Undetermined at this time.