RINGSIDE POLITICS WITH JEFF CROUERE — JANUARY 24th, 2026
Podcast: Real America’s Voice
Host: Jeff Crouere (iHeartPodcasts)
Airdate: January 24, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode of Ringside Politics with Jeff Crouere is anchored around fast-breaking developments in Minneapolis. It explores the aftermath of a deadly confrontation between ICE agents and a protester, escalating street protests, and the political response from both local and national actors. Additional segments focus on the possibility of U.S. intervention in Iran, featuring an interview with a former Iranian political prisoner, and legal/strategic debate around deploying the Insurrection Act in Minnesota.

The show’s tone is direct, combative, and critical of left-leaning politicians and protest movements, with recurring praise for federal law enforcement and the Trump administration. The program includes expert analyses, guest interviews, and live reactions to incoming news.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Minneapolis ICE Shooting & Aftermath

[05:53–14:40, 24:55–29:56]

• Incident Recap: A 51-year-old man was shot and killed by ICE agents after allegedly confronting them with a weapon and two magazines during an operation. Protesters assembled, leading to clashes and deployment of tear gas. The unrest is compared to previous Minneapolis incidents, notably the shooting of Renee Goode two weeks prior.
• ICE Agents’ Role: Crouere argues that ICE is enforcing laws that the “American people voted for” in the 2024 election and is trying to remove illegal immigrants, many with criminal backgrounds, from neighborhoods.
• Critique of Protesters: Protesters are painted as antagonists targeting law enforcement and being supported by local political leaders, who are described as “pouring gasoline on the fire.”
• Political Response: The Minneapolis mayor and Minnesota governor are accused of inflaming tensions and evading responsibility for alleged fraud in their state.
• Historical Parallel: The host draws comparisons to previous riots (e.g., George Floyd protests, Rodney King riots), calling for possible invocation of the Insurrection Act to restore order with federal troops.
• Notable Quote:
  • “Calling on President Trump to invoke something called the Insurrection Act, which will allow him to deploy federal troops there to bring a handle on what is going on in that city and to try to bring some law and order to Minneapolis.” — Jeff Crouere [12:42]

2. U.S. Policy Toward Iran & Interview with Amirah Hasami

[15:50–23:41]

• Background: Amirah Hasami, former Iranian political prisoner, recounts her incarceration for women’s rights activism and her alignment with the MEK (People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran), the main opposition.
• Regime Legitimacy: Hasami asserts the current theocratic regime was never legitimate and enjoys support from less than 5% of Iranians. She recalls extensive executions, notably the 1988 massacre of political prisoners.
• On Popular Uprisings: Current protests reflect long-term, organized resistance. Hasami dismisses the idea of monarchy returning via the Shah’s son and emphasizes grassroots yearning for democracy and freedom.
• Policy Recommendations:
  • Supports tough sanctions and holding the Iranian regime accountable for crimes against humanity, but opposes U.S. military intervention.
  • Advocates recognizing the Iranian people’s right to overthrow the regime and closing financial loopholes that allow the regime to persist.
• Notable Quotes:
  • “The only way to deal with this regime is to join resistance and support the main Iranian opposition, the MEK.” — Amirah Hasami [16:51]
  • “This regime wasn’t legitimate from the beginning… people wanted freedom and democracy.” — Amirah Hasami [17:30]
  • “I do not think anybody in Iran is supporting monarchy. The people of Iran rejected monarchy in 1979. It’ll be absurd and ridiculous to ask people to choose one person as monarch.” — Amirah Hasami [23:19]

3. Legal Perspective & Invocation of the Insurrection Act (John O’Connor, Former Asst. US Attorney)

[27:25–33:36]

• Enforcement Analysis: O’Connor describes ICE agents as “very restrained,” acting within legal bounds to enforce federal law in a hostile environment with little local support. He criticizes sanctuary city policies for necessitating federal action without local backup.
• Insurrection Act Debate:
  • O’Connor states Trump would be on firm legal ground to use the Insurrection Act if local law enforcement is inadequate. However, he questions the political wisdom, suggesting left-wing opponents would use it to fuel anti-Trump narratives.
  • “It’s legal… I’m not so sure it’s wise, because I think that’s what these other folks would like.” — John O’Connor [30:42]
• Assessment of Protesters’ Claims: Protesters’ characterization of ICE actions as illegal are dismissed, with O’Connor noting that even in liberal cities like San Francisco, attacking police would result in arrest.
• Notable Quote:
  • “If confronted by deadly force, of course they can. They can respond with deadly force—not only can, they should.” — John O’Connor [32:24]

4. Law Enforcement Perspective (Mike McGrew, Retired Police Sergeant)

[34:18–40:07]

• Effect of Leadership on Unrest: McGrew draws parallels between current Minneapolis unrest and his experience in the 1992 Los Angeles riots. He stresses how poor or political leadership can exacerbate crisis situations.
• Impact of ‘Defund the Police’: The Minneapolis police department lost a third of its force post-George Floyd protests and never fully recovered, worsening public safety and officer morale nationwide.
• Effectiveness of Military Intervention: Despite the implementation of the Insurrection Act in LA, McGrew notes confusion and underpreparedness of military units at the time, suggesting mixed results.
• Notable Quote:
  • “Minneapolis lost a third of its department, and they never recovered. And what happens when that occurs is that the job becomes even that much more dangerous…” — Mike McGrew [37:18]

5. Commentary on Local & Federal Tensions (Dennis Kneale, Journalist & Spokesperson)

[42:19–46:54]

• Perception Disconnect: Kneale argues that federal agents are unfairly maligned by local officials, who assume their malevolence without evidence.
• Enforcing Law vs. Political Narrative: Points out the inconsistency between blue and red states in their treatment of ICE, asserting that ICE is ultimately enacting the policy “the American people voted for.”
• Fairness in Immigration: Kneale shares personal anecdote emphasizing the unfairness of rewarding those who cross the border illegally over those who follow proper legal avenues.
• Public Safety & Protest: Asserts that protester escalation—not ICE enforcement—is the catalyst for violence, and that the easiest way to avoid such tragedy is to respect law enforcement actions at the scene.
• Notable Quote:
  • “There would be no kerfuffles. There would be no shootings if protesters stood down… don’t go to where they’re in enforcement actions and get in their face.” — Dennis Kneale [46:03]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “What does it take to keep a republic? Real, tangible action. Adopting the warrior ethos, placing mission first, never accepting defeat. Folks, we’re never quitting…” — Jeff Crouere [01:00]
• “The left celebrates criminals, celebrates those who are here illegally, goes after people that are putting their lives on the line every day.” — Jeff Crouere [10:05]
• “If you want to avoid getting your butt kicked by police, don’t do this, don’t do this, don’t do this.” — Dennis Kneale referencing Chris Rock [46:38]
• “We hope and pray that [freedom and democracy for Iran is] going to happen soon.” — Jeff Crouere [23:41]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:25–05:53 — Introduction, Project Keep the Republic, calls to action, overview of show’s focus
• 05:53–14:40 — Detailed coverage of Minneapolis ICE shooting, protests, host’s analysis
• 15:50–23:41 — Interview with Amirah Hasami on Iran regime change & U.S. policy
• 24:55–29:56 — Clips of Minneapolis mayor, John O’Connor on legality & wisdom of invoking Insurrection Act
• 34:18–40:07 — Retired Sgt. Mike McGrew on law enforcement challenges & riot response history
• 42:19–46:54 — Dennis Kneale on ICE enforcement, federal vs. local tensions, immigration fairness

Episode Tone & Language

Jeff Crouere and his guests are frank, opinionated, and unsparing in their criticisms of progressive leaders, left-wing activists, and sanctuary policies. The show’s language is direct, with a blend of combative metaphors (“politics with a punch”) and passionate advocacy for law enforcement and conservative causes. Emotional notes are struck regarding threats facing ICE agents and the suffering of dissidents under Iran’s regime.

For Listeners Who Haven’t Heard the Episode

This episode offers a sharply conservative perspective on law enforcement, protest movements, immigration, and international human rights. It’s rich with expert interviews, tactical legal analysis, on-the-ground law enforcement insight, and voices of those directly impacted by political oppression abroad. The conversation flows naturally between the American and Iranian crises, anchored in the belief in American values and enforcement of public order.

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