In a dramatic turn amid ongoing unrest in Minneapolis, pro-ICE rallies have sprung up across the Twin Cities, aiming to counter anti-ICE protests following the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by a federal agent. Multiple events were promoted for January 9, 2026, including gatherings at the Whipple Federal Building in Fort Snelling, where demonstrators voiced strong support for immigration enforcement and law enforcement’s right to self-defense.
Organizers, including figures linked to January 6 events like Jake Lang, framed the rallies as a stand for American sovereignty and public safety. Participants chanted “We stand with ICE” and waved flags, emphasizing the need to drown out what they called “violent riots” sparked by the January 7 incident. Good, a 37-year-old U.S. citizen, was killed during an ICE operation targeting undocumented individuals; federal officials claim self-defense after she allegedly tried to ram an agent with her vehicle, while protesters and local leaders dispute the account, demanding transparency.
The pro-ICE actions coincide with a DHS surge of 2,000 agents in Minnesota to investigate massive fraud schemes, heightening community fears. Anti-ICE demonstrations have continued, with clashes reported outside federal buildings, including snowball-throwing incidents met with smoke grenades. Mayor Jacob Frey and Governor Tim Walz have urged calm while criticizing federal tactics, but conservatives hail the rallies as a grassroots pushback against perceived obstruction.
Law enforcement remains on high alert, with the National Guard on standby. The dueling protests underscore America’s deep divide on immigration: one side sees enforcement as essential protection, the other as overreach endangering lives. As investigations proceed, these rallies signal growing polarization, with potential for further escalation in a city still healing from past unrest.
