UPDATE: A shocking incident unfolded at Clancey’s Deli in Minneapolis on January 19, 2026, as anti-ICE protesters mistakenly targeted a group of software engineers, believing they were federal immigration agents. The chaotic confrontation, captured on video, highlights the escalating tensions surrounding immigration enforcement in the U.S.
The ordeal began when a mass text from a group chat known as “SW Minneapolis Rapid Response” alerted members to the supposed presence of ICE agents at the deli. One engineer, identified as Lee, expressed disbelief: “My friend was shocked. He’s politically aligned against ICE, and suddenly he’s receiving messages claiming we’re ICE.”
Within minutes, dozens of protesters swarmed the restaurant, some seen peering through windows and shouting insults. One engineer described feeling “like a zoo animal” as the crowd gathered outside. As the men left the deli, they were met with a barrage of hostility, including whistles and accusations, such as “You’re a f–king bootlicker bitch!”
The incident quickly escalated, with protesters calling the engineers “pedophiles” and declaring them “white privileged males” deserving of harassment. Lee remarked on the dangers of such misinformation, stating, “You don’t just tell extremists that random customers are ICE agents. That’s how people get hurt.”
The engineers, who develop custom applications for various clients, found themselves in a nightmare scenario due to a case of mistaken identity. Amid the chaos, one engineer attempted to clarify their purpose: “We do custom apps for a whole bunch of companies around Minnesota and the country!” To which a protester incredulously replied, “Then why are you filming us?”
This incident raises critical questions about the implications of misinformation and the potential for violence in politically charged environments. Lee noted that the experience has caused some in the group to reconsider their views on the ongoing protests, saying, “I think some of them are rethinking everything.”
As this situation develops, it underscores the urgent need for accurate communication and the consequences of mob mentality. Authorities continue to monitor the fallout from this incident, which has already sparked discussions about safety and civil discourse in public spaces.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as more information becomes available.
