Summary
Overview
Pod Save America hosts discuss the Trump administration's ICE operations in Minneapolis, including the killing of Alex Preddy, the federal government's response, and the broader political implications. The episode also features an interview with MSNBC's Joe Scarborough about Trump's second term and a preview of their new subscriber-only show.
Trump Administration Backtracks on Minneapolis ICE Operations
Following intense public backlash and declining poll numbers, Trump's border czar Tom Homan held a press conference attempting to deescalate the situation in Minneapolis. New internal guidance directs ICE agents to avoid engaging with 'agitators' and focus only on immigrants with criminal records, though there are concerns this may be more about changing political narratives than actual tactics. The administration's response comes after Trump's approval ratings dropped as precipitously as Biden's did after Afghanistan withdrawal.
- Tom Homan announced a 'drawdown' of ICE agents in Minneapolis, saying things needed to be done differently
- New internal ICE guidance directs agents to avoid talking to 'agitators' and only target immigrants with criminal records
- Trump's approval has dropped from 47% heading into the election to 37% in recent Pew polling
- Internal polls show Trump support has dropped as precipitously as Biden's after Afghanistan withdrawal
" I'm not here because of the federal government has carried its mission out perfectly. This is common sense cooperation that allows us to draw down on the number of people we have here. Yes, I said it. Draw down the number of people here. "
" If you can't trust Tom Homan, a man who definitely did not take a $50,000 bribe and a cover back, who can you trust? "
Federal Judge Condemns ICE for Violating Nearly 100 Court Orders
A George W. Bush-appointed federal judge in Minneapolis issued a scathing four-page order criticizing ICE for repeatedly defying court orders. The judge wrote that ICE has likely violated more court orders in January 2026 than some federal agencies have in their entire existence, stating plainly that 'ICE is not a law unto itself.' This judicial rebuke came as part of a pattern of lawless behavior from the agency during its Minneapolis operations.
- Federal judge wrote that ICE violated nearly 100 court orders just in Minneapolis
- The judge stated 'This list should give pause to anyone who cares about the rule of law'
- ICE's pattern of defying court orders reflects a culture of unaccountability flowing from Trump
" This list should give pause to anyone, no matter his or her political beliefs, who cares about the rule of law. ICE has likely violated more court orders in January of 2026 than some federal agents have violated in their entire existence. ICE is not a law unto itself. "
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