Independent Americans with Paul Rieckhoff

Episode 431: Pretti ICE Murderers Finally Named. 5-Year-Old Liam Ramos is Free.
Date: February 3, 2026
Host: Paul Rieckhoff

Overview

This episode tackles the latest, urgent developments in America’s immigration enforcement crisis—namely the unmasking of ICE officers involved in the killing of Alex Pretti, and the release of 5-year-old Liam Ramos, whose story sparked national outrage. Host Paul Rieckhoff delivers a passionate, blunt analysis of ICE's increasing aggression, accountability in law enforcement, political responses, protests, and cultural reactions—set against a week of political crisis, international tension, and Super Bowl excitement. Rieckhoff calls for vigilance, unity among independent Americans, and upholding constitutional principles amid a turbulent national moment.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Names of ICE Officers Involved in Alex Pretti’s Killing Revealed

• [03:30] The names of the two federal officers who fatally shot Alex Pretti (Jesus Ochoa and Raymondo Guterres) were finally reported by ProPublica.
• Rieckhoff emphasizes the political and social importance:
  • Quote: “Now we know the names of the two officers that brutally shot—and I think murdered—Alex Pretti. There needs to be a thorough investigation, there needs to be charges, there needs to be a trial.” [03:31]
  • He notes this sets a precedent of accountability:
    • Quote: “ICE agents now know that they will eventually be named if they shoot and kill someone, if they brutalize someone. … I hope that will force them to check themselves.” [03:52]
• Rieckhoff denounces ICE’s ongoing lack of professionalism and urges listeners to realize the gravity of unconstitutional raids and rights violations.

2. ICE Raids & Abuse—Firsthand Accounts

• [08:12] Rieckhoff plays audio from a Utah auto body shop owner confronting ICE agents who forcibly enter without a warrant.
  • Quote from the raid:
    • Owner: “Where’s your warrant?”
      Agent: “I don’t need one.”
    • Owner: “Yes, you do. You guys broke the window. … You guys don’t have a warrant.” [08:12–09:30]
• Rieckhoff’s reaction:
  • Quote: “This is what’s happening in America, folks. And we should all be saying hell no.” [09:49]
• He accuses ICE of systemic, unconstitutional abuse, stripping Americans of basic rights.

3. Liam Ramos Released—After Outrage

• [11:09] A judge ordered the release of 5-year-old Liam Ramos and his father after over a week of detention, during which images of the boy became a national symbol of protest.
  • Quote: “He is finally home. But also, why the hell have they been holding him all this time anyway?... he never should have been detained.” [11:09]
• Paul criticizes politicians using Liam for photo-ops:
  • Quote: “Can we please not turn a five-year-old into a photo op? … It would be infinitely better for him if we all never saw his face.” [12:16]
• He warns that no one is safe as long as ICE’s culture remains “rotten to the core”.

4. Escalation of Anti-ICE Protests and Cultural Outcry

• Ongoing mass protests across the U.S., with “Fuck ICE” and “Disband ICE” becoming rallying cries—even appearing prominently at the Grammys.
  • Quote: “Every day, … people are standing up. Tremendous protests in Minneapolis and all across America saying fuck no to ICE.” [14:20]

5. Political Developments and the Trump Administration’s Actions

• [04:25; 15:50] Paul runs through political turbulence:
  • Partial federal government shutdown
  • Trump’s deals with India, ongoing Venezuela negotiations
  • Continued “war on the free press”: recent press restrictions, threats to ProPublica, and social media harassment.
• Rieckhoff recounts the chilling rise in politicians labeling protesters as “insurgents,” and the increased risk of Trump invoking the Insurrection Act:
  • Quote: “Politicians are calling the protests in Minnesota an insurgency … Republicans have been using this language that is very, very dangerous.” [20:39]
  • He warns: “Trump can do anything he wants with the most powerful military the world has ever seen, and nothing is stopping him.” [22:08]

6. International Fallout and Geopolitical Tensions

• [23:54] American standing with allies suffering:
  • Massive protests by Danish veterans after Trump insults NATO allies; Rieckhoff reads a moving quote from Lance Corporal Soren Teigen:
    • Quote: “I don’t blame American soldiers in any way. We’ve fought side by side, and we still do. But when the president says something like this, of course it hurts.” [24:20]
• Updates on Ukraine’s struggle and a glimmer of hope in the Middle East with the Rafah border crossing reopening.

7. Cultural Tipping Point: Grammys Dominate with Anti-ICE Protest

• [27:28] Artists use their stage to blast ICE and support immigrants’ rights, led by Bad Bunny:
  • Quote (Bad Bunny):

  “We’re not savage. We're not animals, we're not aliens… we are humans and we are Americans. … The only thing that is more powerful than hate is love. If we fight, we have to do it with love.” [27:28]

• Other prominent artists echoed these calls: Kehlani, Bon Iver, Olivia Dean, Billie Eilish, Shaboozey:
  • Quote (Shaboozey):

  “Immigrants built this country. This is for them, for all children of immigrants, for anyone who came here in search of a better life.” [29:19]

• Rieckhoff hails the moment as a cultural and political “tipping point.”

8. Election News and Rise of Independent Voters

• [31:43] Upset in Texas special Congressional election—Democrats win in a Trump+17 district, with independents the key swing bloc.
  • Quote: “Independents made up a significant percentage that swayed this election. If you can attract independents, you will win.” [32:40]
  • Rieckhoff promotes his town hall with other independent leaders: “We are not just moving the needle, we are the needle.” [33:10]

9. Closing Thoughts: Hope, Sports, & Civic Engagement

• Excitement for upcoming Super Bowl week, cultural solidarity, and the importance of supporting Girl Scouts as “helpers” in the community.
• Rieckhoff uses sports and Girl Scout cookies as symbols of hope and togetherness.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On ICE accountability:

  “ICE agents now know that they will eventually be named if they shoot and kill someone. If they brutalize someone, they will be named by the public. And I hope that that will force them to check themselves.” — Paul Rieckhoff [03:52]

• On constitutional rights:

  “If you support this anti-American and unconstitutional shit, don't ever tell me you're a conservative or you support the Constitution ever again. Ronald Reagan and Teddy Roosevelt must be rolling around in their graves and Putin is definitely celebrating.” — Paul Rieckhoff [06:55]

• On the culture of ICE:

  “Undisciplined, unprofessional, un-American, unacceptable. I will continue to underscore that the culture of ICE is rotten to the core.” — Paul Rieckhoff [13:10]

• On protests and political labeling:

  “Politicians are calling the protests in Minnesota an insurgency… Very, very dangerous language. … Trump can do anything he wants with the most powerful military the world has ever seen, and nothing is stopping him. And we must stay vigilant, America.” — Paul Rieckhoff [20:45, 22:08]

• Cultural moment at the Grammys:

  “We’re not savage. We're not animals, we're not aliens. We are humans and we are Americans. … The only thing that is more powerful than hate is love.” — Bad Bunny [27:28]

• On hope and independence:

  “If you listen to this show, you know that we are the people’s champions. … We are not just moving the needle, we are the needle.” — Paul Rieckhoff [33:10]

Important Segments & Timestamps

• [03:30] — Announcement of ICE officer identities in Alex Pretti killing
• [08:12 – 09:45] — Utah ICE raid confrontation audio
• [11:09] — Release of Liam Ramos; critique of political photo-ops
• [14:20] — Mass protests and cultural backlash against ICE
• [20:39 – 22:08] — Discussion of Insurrection Act threats and militarization
• [23:54] — Denmark/NATO protests after Trump’s comments
• [27:28 – 29:19] — Grammys anti-ICE statements, Bad Bunny’s speech, Shaboozey/others
• [31:43] — Texas Congressional election and surge of independents
• [34:00] — Promotion of upcoming town hall and interviews with independent candidates
• [35:40] — Call for hope, sports talk, Girl Scout cookies as “something good”

Tone

• Paul Rieckhoff’s voice is urgent, passionate, direct, and at times indignant. The language is frequently sharp (“un-American and unconstitutional shit,” “ICE is rotten to the core”), always with a call to civic vigilance and moral responsibility. He stresses unity among independents, the importance of not losing hope, and a determined optimism even in the face of daunting political realities.

Final Takeaways

This episode solidifies Independent Americans’ defiant stance against ICE abuses and governmental overreach, contextualized by increased protest, a shifting political landscape, and a surge in independent political engagement. It is both a rallying cry and a news digest for Americans who feel caught between a polarized system, reminding listeners that hope, vigilance, and community action are essential to defending democracy.