At Least 50 Arrested After Protests Escalate Outside Minnesota Federal Building

Authorities declared an unlawful assembly as demonstrators clashed with police near the Whipple Federal Building.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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Local authorities declared an unlawful assembly after protests on Saturday escalated near a federal building just outside Minneapolis, leading to at least 50 arrests, the county sheriff's office said. The incident occurred outside the B.H. Whipple Federal Building, a facility that has become both a staging ground for immigration agents and a hub for demonstrations against the crackdown in the Twin Cities.

Why it matters

The Whipple Federal Building has been a flashpoint for tensions over immigration enforcement in the Twin Cities, with protesters frequently gathering to voice their opposition. This latest incident highlights the ongoing conflict between authorities and demonstrators, raising concerns about public safety and the right to peacefully assemble.

The details

According to the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office, while many individuals peacefully assembled, 'some agitators' hurled chunks of ice at law enforcement, striking a sheriff's deputy in the head and breaking the windshield of a squad car. The agency requested support from the Minnesota State Patrol and the state's Department of Natural Resources, who regularly offer conservation officers to assist law enforcement operations. Of those arrested, 25 people were detained by state troopers for failing to comply with dispersal orders.

  • The incident occurred on Saturday, February 7, 2026.

The players

Hennepin County Sheriff's Office

The local law enforcement agency that declared the unlawful assembly and made the arrests.

Minnesota State Patrol

The state law enforcement agency that assisted the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office in responding to the protests and making arrests.

Jake Lang

A far-right provocateur who had posted on social media that he would hold a news conference at the building at noon.

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What they’re saying

“This is not the first time our vehicles have been damaged at this location. Dispersal orders have been issued. Individuals must leave the area immediately. Failure to comply will result in enforcement action.”

— Hennepin County Sheriff's Office (nytimes.com)

“The Minnesota State Patrol respects the right to lawfully and peacefully demonstrate. Our role is to balance those rights with our responsibility to protect people, property and critical infrastructure.”

— Minnesota State Patrol (nytimes.com)

“We will not be replaced by Somalians. American men, stand now or be replaced. Stand now or be replaced. This is our country. Muslims go home.”

— Jake Lang (nytimes.com)

What’s next

The Hennepin County Sheriff's Office and Minnesota State Patrol will continue to monitor the situation and enforce any future unlawful assemblies near the Whipple Federal Building.

The takeaway

The ongoing tensions and clashes between authorities and protesters at the Whipple Federal Building highlight the complex and divisive nature of immigration enforcement in the Twin Cities. This incident underscores the need for balanced and measured responses from law enforcement to protect both public safety and the right to peacefully assemble.