The governor deployed the state National Guard to assist state police in law enforcement efforts as demonstrators and counter protesters clashed.
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 drowned out by hundreds of counter protesters.
🚨This is the clearest footage yet of Jake Lang being beaten my a mob of leftist anarchists in Minneapolis as he simply tries to exercise his right of free speech. pic.twitter.com/THlhrvKbmq
— Don Keith (@RealDonKeith) January 18, 2026
Lang had hosted an anti-Islam, anti-Somali 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.
After leaving the scene, Lang appeared to be injured with bruises and scrapes on his head.
The governor’s office has mobilized the state National Guard to assist law enforcement.
The Minnesota National Guard said in a statement that Gov. Tim Walz had ordered its mobilization to assist the Minnesota State Patrol in “providing traffic support to protect life, preserve property, and support the rights of all Minnesotans to assemble peacefully.”
Ever since the Department of Homeland Security surged its immigration enforcement in Minnesota’s Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul—deploying more than 2,000 federal officers throughout—protesters have gathered daily, leading to clashes.
Lang previously faced 11 charges in relation to the events at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, including assaulting an officer with a baseball bat, engaging in physical violence, and civil disorder. He had been awaiting trial in jail for nearly four years when President Donald Trump granted him clemency last year.
He recently announced his candidacy for Florida’s U.S. Senate election.
Unrest increased in Minneapolis after a federal agent fatally shot protester Renee Good as she hit him with her car during a confrontation on Jan. 7.
A federal judge ruled on Jan. 16 that immigration enforcement officers cannot detain or use tear gas against people who are protesting peacefully and not obstructing authorities, including during ICE’s efforts in Minnesota.
By Jacob Burg
