By Dozens of demonstrators poured into the Minnesota State Capitol on Tuesday afternoon, packing the marble hallways outside the governor’s office and directing their anger squarely at Gov. Tim Walz amid signs that his administration may be softening its opposition to the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement surge.
Raw video circulating on social media showed an estimated 50 to 100 protesters chanting loudly outside Walz’s office, some holding signs reading “ICE to Syria” alongside other anti-deportation slogans. The demonstration appeared to crystallize mounting frustration among progressive activists following Walz’s recent communications with President Donald Trump and discussions involving federal immigration officials.
Protesters have gathered outside Governor Walz’s office in the Minnesota Capitol building. pic.twitter.com/rwlTsOiifI
— IRT Media (@IRT_Media) January 27, 2026
The Capitol protest followed a series of confrontations earlier in the week, as Minnesota authorities moved to disperse demonstrations that officials said had escalated beyond peaceful protest, writes Fox News.
Police in Minnesota began arresting anti-ICE agitators outside a hotel Monday after authorities said the demonstration escalated and was “no longer considered peaceful,” prompting officers to declare an unlawful assembly.
The demonstrators were outside the SpringHill Suites by Marriott in Maple Grove, Minnesota, where they believed U.S. Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino was staying.
Maple Grove police said officers responded on Monday to reports of a protest at the hotel and that the protest escalated when agitators allegedly began throwing objects at officers and damaging property.
After police declared an unlawful assembly and issued a dispersal order, several people who refused to leave were arrested, authorities said.
“The Maple Grove Police Department respects and upholds the First Amendment rights of individuals to peacefully assemble and express their views. Our priority remains the safety and security of all residents, visitors, and property within our community,” a spokesperson for the police department said in a statement on Twitter.
During the event, the situation escalated when individuals in the crowd engaged in unlawful behavior. Property damage occurred, and objects were thrown at officers. At that point, the activity was no longer considered peaceful. Individuals participating in criminal acts are not protected under the First Amendment and were subject to arrest.”
Maple Grove, Minn. (Jan. 26) — Rioters surrounded to attack a hotel near Minneapolis where they believed federal agents are staying. Minnesota State Police were allowed to be deployed to shut down the attack. They were not allowed to respond previously. pic.twitter.com/ix3lUt2at3
— Andy Ngo (@MrAndyNgo) January 27, 2026
Tensions have escalated sharply after the January 24 fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System. Pretti, a U.S. citizen with no criminal record and a valid permit to carry a firearm, was shot multiple times by U.S. Border Patrol agents during an encounter near 26th Street and Nicollet Avenue. Federal officials described the incident as occurring during a targeted enforcement action.
Walz initially struck a confrontational tone, calling for the removal of what he described as “violent, untrained officers” but later acknowledged “productive” talks with the White House that suggested possible de-escalation. Reports that state officials may offer limited cooperation with ICE efforts targeting criminal noncitizens further inflamed activists, many of whom accused the governor of capitulating to federal pressure.
By Tuesday afternoon, protest energy that had been concentrated in the streets moved indoors, converging on the Capitol and the governor himself. Social media reactions ranged from derision—mocking Walz for alienating his political base—to defenses of the demonstration as a legitimate response to what critics view as an expanding deportation campaign.
The confrontation underscored widening fractures over immigration policy within traditionally Democratic strongholds. With Minnesota now a focal point in the national debate, further demonstrations appear likely as negotiations between state leaders and federal officials continue.
