Podcast Summary: Apple News Today
Episode: "Why the new wave of ICE recruits is raising alarm bells"
Date: January 28, 2026
Host: Shumita Basu
Featured Journalists: Nick Miroff (The Atlantic), Michael Biesecker (Associated Press), Emma Roth (The Verge)
Overview
This episode explores growing concerns over the recruitment and training of new ICE officers during President Trump’s second term, following internal changes and heightened enforcement operations. The show examines recent controversial incidents involving ICE, troubling recruitment tactics, and the implications for both detainees and the broader public. Also covered are updates on TikTok’s American takeover, US population growth trends, Amazon’s retreat from physical grocery stores, and the end of Southwest Airlines’ open seating policy.
Main Topic
ICE Recruitment and Border Enforcement under Trump (00:45–08:34)
1. Changes in Leadership and Approach
- President Trump is "stepping back from some of the more charged language" regarding enforcement events in Minneapolis (00:47).
- Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem defended; Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bevino sidelined after criticism (01:02–01:24).
- Quote (Trump, as paraphrased): “Bavino's very good, but he's a pretty out there kind of a guy. And in some cases that's good. Maybe it wasn't good here.” [01:12]
2. Expanded ICE & Border Patrol Scope
- ICE and Border Patrol are now operating in city environments far from the southern border, leading to “intense frustration” among DHS officials (01:36–02:14).
- Quote (Nick Miroff): “We’ve never seen Border Patrol agents deployed to US Cities far from the southern border at this scale... instead they’re also out on the streets driving around these cities, getting in these confrontations with angry protesters.” [02:14]
- Traditional targeted enforcement replaced by broader patrols.
3. Accelerated Recruitment and Training Concerns
- Budget increases led to rapid headcount expansion; training for new ICE deportation officers cut to 42 days (02:45–02:56).
- Quote (Nick Miroff): “They have cut the training for new recruits by more than half... that's producing a lot of concern within ICE, within the Department of Homeland Security about the qualifications and the aptitude of the new recruits who are going to be out on the streets.” [02:56]
- Internal ICE documents show a "wartime recruitment strategy," targeting individuals interested in guns/tactical gear and using militaristic language like "Destroy the flood" and "the enemies are at the gate" (03:18–03:38).
- ICE veterans express discomfort with new, undertrained recruits during volatile situations (03:42–03:53).
- Quote (Miroff): "...the last thing you want to be doing if you’re an experienced ICE officer is to go out with somebody that you don’t think is well trained and you’re not sure you can trust." [03:53]
4. High-Profile Incidents and Accountability
- The fatal shooting of Alex Preddy: initial ICE claims contradicted by video evidence; official review found no weapon was brandished by Preddy (01:36–01:43, 04:32–04:43).
- Ongoing debate over rhetoric and the portrayal of ICE operations.
5. Detainee Deaths and Facility Oversight
- Third detainee, Geraldo Lunas Campos, dies in Texas ICE facility under suspicious circumstances; autopsy ruled homicide by asphyxia (05:11–05:59).
- Quote (Michael Biesecker): “The final medical examiner’s report did determine that the cause of death was homicide by asphyxia... This witness... said that he saw Lunas Campos being held down by at least 5 gu[ards].” [05:59]
- Facility located on a military base, complicating legal jurisdiction and investigation (06:44–06:58).
- Recent string of deaths (15 in reported time period—possibly undercounted), with questions about transparency and oversight (08:10–08:17).
Segment Highlights and Notable Quotes
| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote / Moment | |-----------|--------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 01:12 | Trump (paraphrased) | “Bavino's very good, but he's a pretty out there kind of a guy. And in some cases that's good. Maybe it wasn't good here.” | | 02:14 | Nick Miroff | “We’ve never seen Border Patrol agents deployed to US Cities far from the southern border at this scale...” | | 02:56 | Nick Miroff | “They have cut the training for new recruits by more than half... producing a lot of concern...” | | 03:38 | Recruitment posters | “Destroy the flood” and “the enemies are at the gate” (militarized language in recruitment materials) | | 03:53 | Nick Miroff | "...the last thing you want to be doing if you’re an experienced ICE officer is to go out with somebody that you don’t think is well trained..." | | 05:59 | Michael Biesecker | “The final medical examiner’s report did determine that the cause of death was homicide by asphyxia...” | | 07:00 | Michael Biesecker | Concerns over who investigates deaths at Fort Bliss-based Camp East Montana, due to federal jurisdiction. |
Additional Topics
TikTok’s Algorithm and US Takeover (08:34–11:52)
- TikTok now mostly American-owned; algorithm under transformation, causing widespread glitches and anxiety among creators (09:01–10:22).
- Creators claim political censorship, especially regarding posts about ICE and Minneapolis events.
- Quote (Megan Stalter, 10:46): “We have to abolish ice.”
- No proof of deliberate censorship; TikTok blames infrastructure outage, but concerns linger over new owner Larry Ellison’s political ties.
- Quote (Emma Roth, 11:30): “People are just worried that their algorithm will be skewed toward a specific viewpoint… there's a vibe shift.”
US Population Growth and Immigration Trends (12:07–12:43)
- US experiences slowest population growth since pandemic (0.5%); attributed to sharp drop in international migration.
Amazon’s Grocery Store Retreat (12:55–13:44)
- Amazon closing all brick-and-mortar grocery stores due to lukewarm customer reception, focusing on Whole Foods and new large-scale formats.
Southwest Airlines Ends Open Seating (13:44–14:30)
- After 50+ years, Southwest eliminates open seating, dividing customers; follows the end of their free bag policy. Changes driven by investor pressure for profitability.
Timestamps for Major Segments
- 00:45 — ICE/Border Patrol under Trump, leadership changes
- 01:43 — Alex Preddy case and video evidence
- 02:14 — Expanded ICE enforcement in US cities
- 02:56 — Accelerated ICE recruitment and concerns
- 03:38 — Militarized recruitment language
- 03:53 — ICE veteran concerns with new hires
- 05:11 — Geraldo Lunas Campos death at Texas ICE facility
- 06:44 — Camp East Montana details and jurisdiction issues
- 08:34 — TikTok’s US acquisition and algorithm troubles
- 10:46 — Alleged TikTok censorship (Megan Stalter quote)
- 12:07 — US population growth figures
- 12:55 — Amazon grocery stores closing
- 13:44 — Southwest Airlines’ seating policy change
Overall Tone
- Urgent, investigative, and grounded in firsthand reporting
- Concerned about government transparency, accountability, and the consequences of rapid institutional change
- Includes direct, plainspoken statements from reporters, witnesses, and affected parties
For further reading and detailed coverage, see The Atlantic, Associated Press, and The Verge articles referenced throughout the episode.