Counter Protesters Chase Off Conservative Influencer During Minneapolis Immigration Crackdown
Over the weekend in Minneapolis, counterprotesters outnumbered a far-right activist attempting to hold a rally in support of the latest immigration crackdown by the Trump administration. 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 increased immigration enforcement in the Twin Cities, bringing in over 2,000 federal officers.
Conservative influencer Jake Lang organized an anti-Islam, anti-Somali, and pro-ICE demonstration, but it’s unclear if he followed through on his plan to “burn a Quran” on the steps of City Hall.
Only a small number of people showed up for Lang’s demonstration, while counterprotesters drowned out his speech and forced the pro-ICE group to leave.
Lang appeared to be injured as he left the scene, with bruises and scrapes on his head.
Lang, previously charged with assaulting an officer, received clemency from President Trump. He recently announced his candidacy for U.S. Senate in Florida.
Snowballs and water balloons were thrown before police arrived at the scene.
Protesters expressed their opposition to Nazis, ICE, and DHS in Minneapolis.
National Guard ‘staged and ready’
The National Guard in Minnesota is prepared to support law enforcement in protecting citizens’ rights to assemble peacefully.
The guard is staged and ready for deployment if needed.
Gov. Walz had instructed the guard to be ready to assist law enforcement in the state.
Protests in the Twin Cities have denounced aggressive immigration enforcement tactics.
A federal judge ruled that officers cannot detain or tear gas peaceful protesters during the crackdown.
Living in fear
Garrison Gibson, a Liberian man living in the U.S., expressed fear after being released from an immigration detention center.
Video of federal officers breaking down Gibson’s door sparked further protests against the crackdown.
Gibson, facing deportation, was taken back into custody following a judge’s ruling.
Gibson’s cousin claimed that White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller ordered his re-arrest, which the White House denied.
Gibson’s ordeal highlights the challenges faced by immigrants in the current political climate.
Despite following all requirements, Gibson continues to live in fear of deportation.
Associated Press writers Steve Karnowski in Minneapolis, Josh Boak in West Palm Beach, Florida, and Jeffrey Collins in Columbia, South Carolina, contributed.
