Fox News Hourly Update – January 29, 2026
Border Czar Tom Homan Speaks About the ICE Operation in Minneapolis
Main Theme:
This episode centers on the controversial ICE operation in Minnesota led by Tom Homan, newly appointed as the state's ICE operations chief. The discussion highlights political tensions, community concerns, potential government shutdown implications, the latest polling data on immigration and the economy, as well as updates on US life expectancy.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Tom Homan Leads ICE Operations in Minnesota
[00:06–00:34]
- Tom Homan, former Trump immigration official, is now leading ICE operations in Minnesota.
- Homan emphasizes his intent:
“I didn't come to Minnesota for photo ops or headlines. You haven't seen me. I came here to seek solutions.” — Tom Homan [00:06]
- He meets with Democrats critical of ICE, noting at least some agreement:
“One thing we all agreed on was US Immigration Customs Enforcement was a legitimate law enforcement agency.” — Tom Homan [00:20]
- Homan asserts ICE will keep targeting individuals in the US illegally who pose criminal or security threats.
- He stresses protest rights but draws the line:
“Threatening law enforcement officers, engaging in impeding obstruction and assault is never okay.” — Tom Homan [00:34]
- Homan emphasizes his intent:
2. Political Tensions & Public Response in Minnesota
[00:34–01:28]
- Local leaders split over ICE’s role—Governor Tim Walz has called for ICE’s removal (and is not seeking reelection).
- Senator Amy Klobuchar announces her gubernatorial campaign, referencing recent state tragedies and criticizing federal immigration policy:
“3,000 ICE agents on our streets and in our towns sent by an administration that relishes division.” — Amy Klobuchar [01:03]
- The ICE controversy is cited as a possible factor in looming government shutdown negotiations.
- Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer will not fund Homeland Security unless ICE agents “take off the masks and turn on the body cams.” [01:17]
- Calls for increased accountability and transparency in ICE operations:
“There needs to be a uniform code of conduct and accountability.” — Ryan Schmells [01:23]
3. Election Interference & Ongoing Investigations
[01:28–01:57]
- President Trump rebuts legitimacy of the 2020 election on Truth Social following an FBI ballot raid in Fulton County, GA.
- Georgia Democrats dismiss Trump’s claims:
“I suspect today’s raid is a continuation of this sore loser’s crusade. Despite repeated audits and independent reviews confirming that Donald Trump was indeed defeated…” — Sen. Jon Ossoff [01:50]
- State Senate Democrat Josh McLaurin calls the search “extremely alarming.” [01:54]
4. Public Opinion Polls: ICE, Border, and the Economy
[02:39–03:23]
- New FOX News poll:
- Nearly 6 in 10 say ICE has become too aggressive.
- 52% approve of the president’s border policies.
- President scores lower on Venezuela, Iran, and especially inflation.
-
“More than two-thirds saying they do not think the president spends enough time on high prices and the economy.” — Jessica Rosenthal [02:58]
-
- Most Americans believe the US is worse off now compared to a year ago, with independents especially critical.
- 55% say the US’s global position has declined.
5. Economy: Fed, Unemployment, and Trump Critique
[03:23–04:05]
- President Trump criticizes Fed Chair Jerome Powell, calls for lower interest rates.
- Trump asserts Powell is “hurting the economy and national security.” [03:23]
- The Fed maintains rates after reductions last year; notes “inflation remains somewhat elevated.”
- Unemployment update: first-time claims down slightly; continuing claims fall more sharply.
- Stock futures up slightly.
6. US Life Expectancy Rises
[04:05–04:33]
- CDC data: Life expectancy rose to 77.9 years in 2024.
- Gains attributed to the diminishment of the COVID-19 pandemic and dropping death rates from top causes, especially unintentional injuries/drug overdoses.
-
“The new stats note that the decline is across all racial and ethnic groups and in both women and men.” — Tonya J. Powers [04:33]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- Tom Homan, on his approach:
“I didn't come to Minnesota for photo ops or headlines. You haven't seen me. I came here to seek solutions.” [00:06]
- Tom Homan, on law enforcement:
“Threatening law enforcement officers, engaging in impeding obstruction and assault is never okay.” [00:34]
- Sen. Amy Klobuchar, on ICE:
“3,000 ICE agents on our streets and in our towns sent by an administration that relishes division.” [01:03]
- Sen. Jon Ossoff, on GA ballot raid:
“I suspect today’s raid is a continuation of this sore loser’s crusade.” [01:50]
- Jessica Rosenthal, on polling:
“More than two-thirds saying they do not think the president spends enough time on high prices and the economy.” [02:58]
- President Trump, on Fed policy:
“…Powell’s hurting the economy and national security.” [03:23]
- Tonya J. Powers, on life expectancy:
“The new stats note that the decline is across all racial and ethnic groups and in both women and men.” [04:33]
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Tom Homan on ICE and solutions: [00:06–00:34]
- Political response and Klobuchar’s campaign launch: [00:39–01:11]
- Government shutdown and ICE accountability demands: [01:11–01:28]
- Trump, ballot raids, and election claims: [01:28–01:57]
- Public polls: ICE, border, economy: [02:39–03:23]
- Economic updates and Trump vs. Fed: [03:23–04:05]
- CDC life expectancy numbers: [04:05–04:33]
This quick-paced news episode reflects the polarized debate on immigration enforcement in Minnesota, the wider impact on state and federal politics, tensions over the 2020 election aftermath, public concerns on the economy, and finally, a rare spot of good news in rising life expectancy across demographics.
