The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson
Episode Title: DHS Arrests 10K Criminal Illegals in Minneapolis ALONE!
Date: January 20, 2026
Host: Ben Ferguson (Premiere Networks)
Episode Overview
In this episode, Ben Ferguson delivers an urgent update on the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) recent arrest of over 10,000 criminal illegal aliens in Minneapolis. The discussion focuses on the scope of the crackdown, the alleged corruption and fraud in Minnesota’s government, and the media’s portrayal—or alleged suppression—of these events. Interviews and commentary, including a fiery exchange between DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and CBS News, illuminate the political and legal battles unfolding at both state and federal levels.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. DHS Operation in Minneapolis (03:53 – 14:35)
- Mass Arrests: Secretary Kristi Noem announced that federal authorities have arrested over 10,000 criminal illegal aliens in Minneapolis, with about 3,000 detained in the last six weeks alone.
- Nature of Crimes: Those apprehended include murderers, rapists, child sex offenders, and other violent criminals.
- Fraud Investigation: Noem disclosed an ongoing federal probe into large-scale fraud allegedly totaling at least $19 billion, criticizing Governor Tim Walz and Mayor Jacob Fry for what she called failures to safeguard public safety.
- Media Critique: Ferguson repeatedly criticizes mainstream media outlets for allegedly downplaying or misrepresenting the story, emphasizing their reluctance to share the depth of the criminal activity uncovered.
Quote (at 03:53):
“Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem saying on Monday that federal authorities have arrested more than 10,000 criminal illegal aliens in Minneapolis alone. ... Those arrests included murderers, rapists, child sex offenders, and other violent criminals. But the media, they don’t want you to know this story.”
— Ben Ferguson
2. Kristi Noem vs. CBS News – Contentious Interview (04:32 – 05:37)
- Face the Nation Exchange: Ben plays a segment from CBS’s Face the Nation featuring Kristi Noem and anchor Margaret Brennan. Brennan challenges Noem on her figures regarding the number of violent criminals among the detained.
- Noem’s Response: Noem stands firm on her claim that “70% of everyone [arrested] ... have charges against them or have been convicted of charges,” accusing media of cherry-picking numbers and misleading the public.
- Ferguson's Reaction: Ben highlights how Brennan goes silent when confronted, asserting that mainstream media refuses to accept the presented figures.
Notable Exchange (04:39):
Kristi Noem: “Every single individual has committed a crime, but 70% of them have committed or have charges against them on violent crimes ... It absolutely is right—70% of everyone. ... That is the facts ... and we’re going to keep doing that no matter how much you guys keep lying and don’t tell the public the truth.”
— Kristi Noem
3. Federal Investigations into State Officials (07:14 – 09:16)
- Probe of Minnesota Leadership: The DOJ is investigating Governor Tim Walz and Mayor Jacob Fry for potentially impeding federal immigration enforcement, especially following public criticism and calls to push ICE agents out of Minneapolis.
- Alleged Retaliation vs. Corruption: Ferguson addresses media claims that the investigation is politically motivated retaliation, countering that the true issue is corruption and lost tax dollars.
- CNN Coverage Critique: CNN’s reporting is called out for allegedly providing cover for local officials under investigation.
Notable Paraphrase (09:16):
“They didn’t talk about the actual problems in Minnesota… they made up a totally different issue, that was some sort of retaliation or retribution as they described it, for a Trump administration they claim is angry. Yes, the Trump administration ... is angry—angry that billions ... have gone missing in corruption and fraud.”
— Ben Ferguson
4. Fraud and Corruption Allegations (09:16 – 14:35)
- Financial Scope: Noem claims $19 billion in fraud within Minneapolis alone, hinting that the true figures are likely higher and under continued investigation.
- Feeding Our Future Case: Ben references the high-profile Feeding Our Future case—an alleged $250 million fraud during the pandemic tied to federally funded child nutrition programs in Minnesota, with over 70 individuals charged so far.
- Legal Pushback: A federal judge has barred DHS agents from arresting peaceful protestors, highlighting civil liberty concerns amid enforcement efforts.
- Political Fallout: Both Walz and Fry are portrayed as uncooperative, denouncing federal investigations as intimidation tactics while maintaining Minnesota’s public safety and financial integrity are at stake.
Notable Quote (13:30):
"In the last six weeks, our brave Department of Homeland Security law enforcement have arrested 3,000 criminal illegal aliens, including vicious murderers, rapists, child pedophiles, and incredibly dangerous individuals. A huge victory for public safety."
— Paraphrasing Kristi Noem (read by Ferguson)
Notable Quotes and Moments
-
Ben Ferguson on Media Coverage (05:37):
"You listen there to, again, the lies coming from CBS News. They try to spin the numbers ... and then when they're called out on it, you notice how quiet Brennan shut down."
-
Kristi Noem (via segment, 04:39):
"70% of the people that we have detained have charges against them, or have been convicted of charges, and they need to be brought to justice."
-
Ferguson Summing Up (14:35):
"The Trump administration is not backing down... That includes Kristi Noem, the FBI, and Cash Patel, and many others who are now going to hold those accountable in Minnesota for the crimes that they've committed. And that, my friends, is far from 'intimidation,' even if CNN lies to you and says otherwise."
Timestamps for Important Segments
| Segment | Description | Timestamp | |---------|--------------------------------------------------------|-------------| | 03:53 | Initial breakdown of DHS arrests in Minneapolis | 03:53-04:32 | | 04:32 | Kristi Noem vs. CBS News clip and analysis | 04:32-05:37 | | 07:14 | DOJ investigation of MN governor and Minneapolis mayor | 07:14-09:16 | | 09:16 | Details on fraud probe and legal fallout | 09:16-14:35 | | 13:30 | Noem’s statement on nature of those arrested | 13:30 |
Tone and Style
The episode is fast-paced, combative, and unapologetically critical of mainstream media and local Democratic leadership. Ben Ferguson delivers news with intense partisanship and urgency, frequently employing direct language (“lies,” “state-sponsored media,” “corruption”) and dramatic contrasts between government action and perceived media bias.
Summary
This episode delivers a forceful summary of federal action against alleged criminal illegal immigrants and fraud in Minneapolis, painting a picture of decisive Trump administration leadership amid what is depicted as widespread governmental failure and media misinformation. Ferguson frames the narrative as a struggle for truth in the face of political and media opposition, spotlighting large-scale criminal activity, high-stakes investigations, and a deepening clash between federal and local authorities. This Morning Update is crafted for listeners seeking pointed, conservative perspectives on unfolding national controversies.