Pardoned Jan. 6 Protester Jake Lang Arrested for Damaging Anti-ICE Sculpture

Lang posted a video of himself kicking over the sculpture in front of the Minnesota Capitol, leading to his arrest on suspicion of criminal damage to property.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Jake Lang, a pardoned participant in the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack, has been arrested in Minnesota for allegedly damaging a sculpture protesting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations. Footage posted to Lang's social media showed him kicking over the newly installed "Prosecute ICE" sculpture in front of the state Capitol, leading to his arrest on suspicion of criminal damage to property.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the ongoing tensions between pro-ICE and anti-ICE factions in the U.S., with Lang representing the former and the veterans group Common Defense representing the latter. Lang's history as a pardoned January 6 rioter also raises questions about the consequences faced by those involved in the Capitol attack.

The details

According to the Minnesota State Patrol, Lang was seen on camera kicking and damaging the sculpture, which had been installed by Common Defense to protest federal immigration enforcement actions. Lang was arrested at the scene and booked into the Ramsey County Jail on suspicion of criminal damage to property, with authorities estimating the damage at around $6,000.

  • On February 5, 2026 at 2:32 p.m., Lang was observed damaging the sculpture on the steps of the Minnesota Capitol.
  • Lang was arrested shortly after the incident and brought to the Ramsey County Jail.

The players

Jake Lang

A 30-year-old man from Lake Worth, Florida who was pardoned for his alleged involvement in the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack. Lang has a history of pro-ICE activism and was recently arrested for damaging an anti-ICE sculpture in front of the Minnesota Capitol.

Common Defense

A veterans organization that installed the "Prosecute ICE" sculpture in front of the Minnesota Capitol as a stand against federal immigration enforcement operations.

Minnesota State Patrol

The law enforcement agency that arrested Lang and is investigating the incident.

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What they’re saying

“Cowards like Jake Lang no nothing about service. And so scared of art that destroys it without thinking of the consequences. Have a nice night in jail, fascist.”

— Jacob Thomas, Communications Director, Common Defense (Instagram)

What’s next

The investigation into Lang's actions remains ongoing, and it is unclear what impact his arrest will have on a planned pro-ICE rally he had called for at the Minnesota Capitol on February 7.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the continued tensions between pro-ICE and anti-ICE factions in the U.S., as well as the ongoing scrutiny faced by those involved in the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack, even after receiving presidential pardons.