Clash erupts between opposing crowds at City Hall On January 17, a large anti‑ICE crowd confronted a smaller pro‑ICE group organized by conservative influencer Jack Lang near Minneapolis City Hall, resulting in a chaotic street confrontation captured in photographs [1][2]. Lang sustained visible head injuries and left the scene in a vehicle, bleeding from the back of his head [1][2]. Police officers secured the intersection, maintaining order while the two groups vied for space [1].

Law‑enforcement escalates presence without street deployment Governor Tim Walz announced the Minnesota National Guard was staged and ready to assist state law‑enforcement, though troops had not been deployed onto city streets [2]. Minneapolis police continued to manage the immediate area, securing the intersection and monitoring the protests [1]. The Guard’s readiness reflects heightened concern over potential violence as demonstrations persist [2].

Federal immigration enforcement fuels daily protests More than 2,000 DHS federal officers have been deployed to the Twin Cities, intensifying daily protests since the immigration crackdown began [2]. Demonstrators have clashed repeatedly, with the pro‑ICE rally driven away and participants removing objectionable apparel [2]. The crackdown has already claimed a life: U.S. citizen Renee Good was shot by an ICE officer during a January 7 confrontation [2].

Legal challenges arise over protest policing and raids A federal judge recently limited immigration officers’ authority to detain or tear‑gas peaceful protesters who are not obstructing officials [2]. Separate video evidence showed a raid on Garrison Gibson’s home, where officers broke down his front door amid disputes over supervision notice, leading to his brief detention and release [2]. These developments highlight ongoing judicial scrutiny of federal enforcement tactics amid the protests [2].