Minnesota Senator Denounces Protests as ‘Manufactured,’ Urges Illegal Immigrants to Self-Deport

By Sam Barron | Friday, 23 January 2026 07:37 PM EST

Minnesota State Sen. Michael Holmstrom, R-Buffalo, criticized protesters in Minneapolis on Friday, stating the demonstrations were entirely fabricated and designed to inflame tensions.

“I see a lot of protests,” Holmstrom said. “It’s always the same people, a different sign. They don’t believe in any of this stuff—they just believe in being radicals.”

Holmstrom accused Democrats of mobilizing en masse because they are desperate for a political win. “They need something tangible to point to and get people angry about,” he added.

He noted protesters were standing on cars amid temperatures plummeting below freezing, stating, “It’s -15 degrees out there.” Holmstrom also claimed city police were watching from the street with smiles, calling the demonstrations “totally manufactured.”

The senator urged illegal immigrants in his district to take advantage of a Department of Homeland Security program offering self-deportation for $2,600. “None of my constituents are illegal immigrants,” he said. “I represent Minnesota citizens. I encourage anyone in my district and beyond to use this opportunity.”

Holmstrom predicted protests would subside as temperatures dropped further. “They’ll go back inside,” he added. “As soon as the cameras stop rolling, they’re gone—they’re cowards.”