(NewsNation) — All eyes are on Minneapolis amid reports that the Pentagon has ordered 1,500 active-duty soldiers to prepare for a possible deployment to Minnesota, following overnight clashes.
NewsNation was outside the Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in the city overnight, as protesters and federal agents continued to clash over the immigration crackdown. At least 10 people were arrested for things like spitting on officers’ cars or throwing water at them. The local sheriff’s department placed their vehicles in the middle of the road, blocking those protesters from getting in the street.
Earlier on Saturday, a rally was organized in downtown Minneapolis by Jake Lang, who had been pardoned by President Trump for his role in the January 6 riots. The rally was in protest of anti-Muslim immigration and Minnesota fraud. Lang’s rally drew hundreds of counter-protesters calling for the removal of ICE agents from the city. Lang, who was surrounded by counter protesters, did leave the scene, appearing to have some blood on the back of his head. It’s unclear exactly what happened.
Over the last two weeks, protests have broken out across the city following the death of Renee Good. Clashes have been documented in neighborhoods where ICE observers have followed border patrol agents, attempting to disrupt operations. Confrontations have also taken place outside the ICE facility, following another ICE officer-involved shooting of a Venezuelan immigrant this past week. DHS said the man was attacking officers on the ground.
When these clashes have broken out, tear gas and pepper spray have been used by law enforcement, while protesters have thrown ice and rocks at the officers. However, a federal judge ruled on Friday that federal officers can’t use tear gas or pepper spray or detain peaceful protesters.
Meanwhile, President Trump threatened to invoke the insurrection act earlier this week, but he did say Friday that he doesn’t see a need for it yet. In a post to social media on Saturday, Trump said ICE is going after criminals and questioned, “Why is Minnesota fighting this?”