Massive Crowd Gathers to Counter-Protest Pro-ICE Demonstration
On January 17, 2026, downtown Minneapolis witnessed a significant confrontation as conservative influencer Jake Lang organized a “March Against Minnesota Fraud” rally. His event quickly turned into a battleground as thousands of counter-protesters showed up to oppose him.
Protest Overview
Lang, who is a Republican Senate candidate from Florida, faced a massive turnout of approximately 2,000 counter-protesters. The opposition was vocal, aiming to disrupt his rally and provide a stark contrast to his small group of supporters—less than a dozen in number.
Confrontation in the Streets
As Lang approached City Hall, he and his followers were met with hostility. Reports indicated that he was physically assaulted, enduring punches from several individuals amidst a frenzy of counter-protesters. The situation escalated as counter-protesters shouted, hurled snowballs, and even sprayed Lang with water.
Notable Incidents
- Lang was struck with water from a squirt gun as tensions flared.
- A balloon filled with blue paint was thrown at him by a counter-protester.
- Various counter-protesters waved signs accusing him of inciting division and hate.
Despite the chaos, Lang attempted to address the crowd. However, his message was drowned out by the protests, highlighting the strong opposition to his views.Observers noted the heavy police presence at the event, with officers in riot gear positioned at the intersection of Fourth Avenue and Fourth Street to maintain order.
Aftermath and Escalation
Following nearly an hour of unrest, Lang attempted to retreat to a nearby hotel. He was escorted by supporters, visibly shaken, with one individual reportedly punching him in the back of the head. In a dramatic turn, protesters displayed a Quran—a symbol of a previous threat made by Lang to burn it—further intensifying the day’s events.
This encounter highlights the deeply polarized climate surrounding immigration issues in the United States, with Lang’s pro-ICE stance met by fierce opposition from a large segment of the Minneapolis community.
