Fox News Hourly Update – January 18, 2026

ICE Operations Continue in Minneapolis Amid Rising Tensions

Main Theme

This episode covers growing tensions in Minneapolis as ICE operations persist despite significant opposition from protesters and local officials. The show outlines the federal government's approach to immigration enforcement under President Trump, new visa restrictions, diplomatic friction with EU allies regarding U.S. control of Greenland, and updates on the Iran crisis and an industrial accident in China.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Intensifying ICE Operations and Local Pushback

• Federal Operations Escalate:
  ICE continues enforcing immigration law in Minneapolis, facing vocal resistance from protesters and local Democratic officials.
  • Daria Alminger summarizes:

    “ICE operations continue in Minneapolis where tensions are growing between federal agents and protesters.” (00:02)

• Trump Administration's Stance:
  DHS Secretary Kristi Noemon (on CBS) states that operations will proceed to enforce Trump’s crackdown.
• Political Blame:
  • Fox correspondent attributes the situation to previous "open border policies" under President Joe Biden.

    “We wouldn't be in this situation if Joe Biden hadn't allowed our open border policies… We have no idea how many dangerous people are here.” (00:22)

• Threats of Federal Force:
  President Trump reportedly threatens to invoke the Insurrection Act if local authorities do not restrain anti-ICE protesters. (00:34)
• DOJ Investigations:
  The Justice Department opens investigations into Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Fry and Minnesota Governor Tim Waltz (both Democrats), probing whether they are impeding federal law enforcement.

2. Local Officials Respond

• Mayor Fry Defends His Actions:
  Mayor Fry insists his actions reflect his obligations to constituents, not obstruction:

  “This whole investigation would ultimately be the product of one of the most basic foundational responsibilities that I have as mayor, which is to speak on behalf of my constituents.” — Jacob Fry (00:54)

3. New Visa Freeze Targeting 75 Countries

• Sweeping Visa Suspension:
  The Trump administration freezes visa processing from 75 countries, effective Jan 21. (01:05-01:48)
• State Department Justification:
  The freeze, per a memo, will last until a reassessment concludes, citing the “public charge” provision; only immigrants likely to be self-sufficient are exempt.
  • Official statement:

    “The freeze will remain active until the US can ensure that new immigrants will not extract wealth from the American people.” (01:38)

• Policy begins January 21st, with welfare-independent immigrants as exceptions. (01:48)

4. Escalating US-EU Tensions over Greenland

• Tariffs in Response to EU Resistance:
  The U.S. threatens 10% tariffs (rising to 25%) on eight European countries that oppose U.S. control of Greenland, effective February 1st. (02:39-02:51)
• European Backlash:
  • Mass protests erupt in Greenland and Denmark; EU leaders sharply criticize U.S. threats.
  • U.S. bipartisan lawmakers express support for Danish and Greenlandic sovereignty, aligning with NATO interests.

5. Trump Administration’s Firm Stance on Iran

• Iranian Crackdown and U.S. Response:
  • President Trump weighs options as Iran cracks down on protests, with death toll surpassing 5,000. (03:21–04:04)
• Critique of Obama’s Approach:
  Senator Bill Haggerty draws contrasts between Trump’s aggressive stance and Obama’s “silence” during prior unrest:

  “We’ve seen what happens when we fail to do so under President Obama... He remained silent and turned around and handed them billions of dollars, pallets of cash in return for this so-called Iran deal that was a massive failure.” — Bill Haggerty (03:43)

6. Other World News: Explosion in Inner Mongolia, China

• Factory Explosion:
  • Blast at Bao Gang United Steel facility kills two, injures 66+, with five reported missing. Community rattled by the event. (04:04–04:36)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Daria Alminger on growing tensions:

  “ICE operations continue in Minneapolis where tensions are growing between federal agents and protesters.” (00:02)

• Fox Correspondent on "open borders":

  “We wouldn't be in this situation if Joe Biden hadn't allowed our open border policies to be in place and allowed up to 20 million people unvetted into this country. We have no idea how many dangerous people are here.” (00:22)

• President Trump threatens use of Insurrection Act:
  (Reported by Alminger, 00:34)

• Jacob Fry on his mayoral duties:

  “This whole investigation would ultimately be the product of one of the most basic foundational responsibilities that I have as mayor, which is to speak on behalf of my constituents.” (00:54)

• Quote from State Department:

  “The freeze will remain active until the US can ensure that new immigrants will not extract wealth from the American people.” (01:38)

• Sen. Bill Haggerty on Iran and Obama:

  “He remained silent and turned around and handed them billions of dollars, pallets of cash in return for this so called Iran deal that was a massive failure.” (03:43)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• ICE Operations in Minneapolis & Pushback: 00:02–00:54
• Visa Freeze Policy Details: 01:05–01:48
• EU Tariff Threat Over Greenland: 02:39–03:21
• Iran, Protests, and US Policy Debate: 03:21–04:04
• Inner Mongolia Factory Explosion: 04:04–04:36

Summary

This episode of the Fox News Hourly Update delivers a dense roundup of U.S. immigration enforcement controversies, escalating diplomatic rows with Europe, the administration’s tough posture on Iran, and breaking international news. Listeners are briefed in the network’s signature urgent tone, with clear lines drawn between partisan perspectives, vivid attributions, and up-to-the-minute coverage of global events.