Lovett or Leave It – Episode 438: “Minnesota Breaks the ICE”

Date: January 31, 2026
Host: Jon Lovett
Guests: Andy Richter, Vic Michaelis

Episode Overview

This episode dives into the unfolding ICE operations and mass protests in Minnesota’s Twin Cities, reflecting on the community’s powerful grassroots resistance to federal immigration crackdowns under the Trump administration. Lovett shares first-hand reporting from Minneapolis, highlighting the impact of ICE raids, the emotional toll on communities, and the way local residents have mobilized in response. Alongside comedians Andy Richter and Vic Michaelis, the show blends biting political commentary with signature humor, empathy, and candid discussions about dealing with adversity—both personal and political.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Lovett’s On-the-Ground Reporting from Minneapolis

• Lovett describes visiting Minneapolis to witness protests against aggressive ICE operations headquartered at the “Whipple Building,” noting the chilling contrast between bundled-up protesters and masked federal agents.
• Observes how the ICE presence has sown deep mistrust: “Whenever a vehicle would drive by, the protesters would all stop and scan the people inside. Are you one of us? Or are you part of the occupying force?” (03:08)
• Protesters’ motivations vary: some are veteran organizers, others are there purely out of anger and love for their neighbors: “Others I met were there because they were just fucking furious.” (03:33)
• Lovett underscores the dark, performative antagonism of ICE agents: “Some would speed by... Others would slow down to actually antagonize the demonstrators, like the WWE, but instead of John Cena, it's an angry, fragile, unfuckable zero…” (04:00)

2. The Trump Administration’s ICE Tactics and Right-Wing Rhetoric

• Lovett sharply critiques the political pretext and cruelty underpinning the ICE surge, referencing right-wing rhetoric from Stephen Miller and J.D. Vance supporting agent impunity:
  • “Solid legal advice from the law offices of Incel, Incel, and Dershowitz.” (05:13)
• Attacks the manufactured narratives claiming fraud in Somali-run daycares as racist justification for ICE’s actions.
• Notes the resignations of federal prosecutors unwilling to pursue spurious cases, highlighting the operation’s illegality and lack of just cause.

3. The Community Response: Grassroots Resistance and Mutual Aid

• Describes a city transformed: citizen “sentinels” in vests and with whistles posted outside schools and immigrant neighborhoods, union leaders organizing rides, and ongoing vigils at memorials.
• Lovett captures emotional scenes at protest sites:
  • “Every kind of person was out there…” (08:52)
  • On a silent, grieving protester: “He did not want to talk… I just watched this big burly guy carry flowers to the memorial, lay them down, stand in silence…” (09:24)
• Emphasizes the chilling effect of ICE: residents are afraid to call 911 or seek medical care; commercial districts are emptied out.

4. The Political Fallout and Media Narratives

• Critiques GOP officials (Stephen Miller, Kristi Noem) for dehumanizing rhetoric after the shooting deaths of Renee Goode and Alex Preddy, turning tragedy into partisan fodder.
• “ICE and Border Patrol haven’t been acting like law enforcement; they’ve been acting like a gang. Here’s just one example of an ICE agent in Minneapolis proving the point.” (05:59)
• Lovett notes that ICE will have to expand its crackdown to meet Trump's deportation goals, foreshadowing continued strife nationwide:
  • “No change in tone or leadership will change the math. ICE cannot reach Stephen Miller’s deportation goals without grabbing people who are going to their immigration appointments legally…” (11:49)

5. Human Moments and the Power of Community

• Despite the surreal intensity, Lovett finds hope in small moments of solidarity and universal sadness:
  • “One person said, ‘We’re out here and we just need to know that [the governor’s] on our side and not their side.’ …Another said, ‘I guess I want him to know that we’re all just so sad.’ And then she just broke down.” (12:59)
• The episode underscores the tension between anger and grief, with Lovett concluding: “I think we should fight the urge to be sad and try to stay really fucking mad.” (16:18)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Lovett on ICE vs. Protesters:
  “It was a stark contrast between the protesters standing in the freezing cold day after day and these masked agents in their rented SUVs, clearly getting off on playing the heel.” (04:17)

• Andy Richter satirizing ICE:
  “You erase your voice, I erase your voice. If I raise my voice, you’ll erase my. Exactly.” (06:03)

• Lovett, reflecting on community fortitude:
  “It’s inspiring to see all those people on the street, corner after corner in their vests and their whistles. It is also deeply strange and uncomfortable…” (14:44)

• Vic Michaelis (on not being subtle about resisting ICE):
  “If they can’t handle bad words, maybe they shouldn’t come here.” (03:48)

• Lovett, philosophy of resistance:
  “We’re not trapped in here with Trump. Trump is trapped in here with us.” (19:22)

• Lovett on the shift in ICE rhetoric:
  “So Trump’s immigration enforcement in Minneapolis has not been handled perfectly. The Titanic’s maiden voyage did not go as planned. Ticket sales for the Melania documentary have not surpassed our expectations.” (18:33)

Major Segments & Timestamps

• Lovett’s Report from Minneapolis / What a Week
  [02:04] – [19:22]

• Interview Roulette: Comedic Roundtable with Andy Richter & Vic Michaelis
  Lighthearted Q&A; includes memorable celebrity stories, personal vulnerabilities, and on-stage singing.
  [23:12] – [45:21]

• Constructive Criticism: Satirical Minnesota Nice
  Panelists dish out “Minnesota nice” critiques on everything from the Melania film to Kristi Noem and animal mishaps.
  [49:06] – [57:52]

  • Noteworthy: Lovett’s takedown of corporate complicity in right-wing politics via movie “bribes.” (50:34)

• Second Thoughts: Meta-Reflection on the Show
  Hosts reflect on awkward moments and what worked (or didn’t).
  [62:32] – [66:31]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Lovett describes Minneapolis protests: [03:08]
• Contrast between ICE and protesters: [04:00]
• Stephen Miller/ICE legal rhetoric: [05:13]
• Lovett on the deceased nurse’s memorial: [09:24]
• Lovett on ICE’s real priorities: [11:49]
• Moving community vignettes: [12:59]
• Philosophy of resistance: [19:22]
• Comedic interview roundtable: [23:12] – [45:21]
• Constructive Criticism (Melania film, Kristi Noem): [50:34] – [56:12]
• Lovett’s “Second Thoughts” segment: [62:32] – [66:31]

Tone and Language

• Emotionally Raw, Righteous Anger: Lovett’s monologue channels both heartbreak and determination: “I actually think we should fight the urge to be sad and try to stay really fucking mad.” (16:18)
• Cynical and Absurdist Humor: Retains Lovett’s trademark blend of cynicism, pop culture references, and improv-style riffing, providing comic relief even amid grave topics.
• Comradely and Empathetic: The show honors the quiet acts of resistance and the emotional labor of community members, striking an earnest, empathetic note throughout.

For Listeners Who Missed the Episode

This episode of “Lovett or Leave It” is essential listening for anyone seeking an honest account of America’s escalating immigration battles and the everyday courage and heartbreak of resistance. Through on-the-ground reporting, personal storytelling, and comic relief, Lovett and guests capture a moment of crisis and resilience in the Twin Cities—reminding us, “We’re not trapped in here with Trump. Trump is trapped in here with us.”