Podcast Summary: The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson

Episode: New Details Challenge Early Narrative in Minneapolis ICE Shooting
Host: Ben Ferguson
Date: January 28, 2026

Overview

In this episode, Ben Ferguson covers new revelations surrounding the shooting of protester Alex Preddy by ICE agents in Minneapolis. Ferguson discusses recent findings about Preddy’s prior altercations with federal authorities, the ongoing media narrative around the incident, and the broader conversation on immigration enforcement. He also highlights the role of Tom Homan, White House “border czar,” and rebuts criticisms of immigration policy by referencing statements from former President Barack Obama. The episode is characterized by Ferguson's critical stance toward mainstream media coverage, especially CNN, and an unfiltered defense of law enforcement’s perspective.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Background on the Minneapolis ICE Shooting

• Alex Preddy’s Confrontation with ICE Agents
  • New information has surfaced that Preddy had a physical altercation with ICE agents a week prior to his fatal shooting, resulting in a broken rib.
  • Preddy was reportedly known to federal law enforcement before his death due to previous clashes.
• Media Coverage and Narrative
  • Ferguson critiques CNN’s coverage for portraying Preddy in a sympathetic light, suggesting bias in how the story is being framed.

Notable Quotes:

“We have a lot more information now about his background, including a recent altercation with ICE that broke his rib, allegedly.” – Ben Ferguson [04:23]

2. More on Alex Preddy’s History and the Recent Incident

• Details from CNN & Sources
  • CNN reports that Preddy intervened in an ICE operation by stopping his car, confronting officers, yelling, and blowing a whistle.
  • He was tackled by federal agents, leading to injury and subsequent treatment for a broken rib.
  • It is confirmed Preddy was recognized by law enforcement, though it’s unclear if the officers involved in the fatal incident knew who he was at the time.

Key Segment:

“CNN is learning that Alex Preddy had a physical encounter with federal agents about a week after before he was shot and killed... Preddy broke a rib when a group of federal officers tackled him while he was protesting.” – CNN Report [06:08]

“That day he thought he was going to die.” – Quoting Preddy, relayed by CNN [06:47]

• Law Enforcement Collection of Protester Data
  • The Department of Homeland Security has been collecting information due to repeated threats towards officers.
  • Tom Homan has proposed creating a database for those arrested for impeding law enforcement, but DHS has indicated no such database presently exists.

3. Ben Ferguson Responds: Media Framing and Law Enforcement Context

• Critique of Media Sympathy
  • Ferguson questions why Preddy would engage in another confrontation soon after a prior injury if he genuinely felt his life was at risk.
  • Highlights the omission of key details by media—especially that Preddy was armed during the most recent altercation.
• Policy and Legal Standards
  • Ferguson outlines the CBP use-of-force policy: deadly force is justified when agents reasonably perceive imminent danger.
  • Emphasizes DHS’s standard protocols and warnings about increasing threats to federal agents.

Notable Quote:

“When you want to go to war with ICE agents like this man did before and was doing it again, this is exactly what you can expect from the radical left.” – Ben Ferguson [08:12]

“It is standard protocol.” – Ferguson on use-of-force and record-keeping [10:39]

4. Media Reaction to Tom Homan’s Role and Obama’s Immigration Record

• Tom Homan’s Appointment Sparks Media Furor
  • The White House Press Secretary reminds journalists that Tom Homan, currently a target of criticism from progressives, was previously honored by President Obama for his work in immigration enforcement.
• Obama’s 2010 Statement on Deportations
  • Obama’s words are quoted at length, asserting U.S. right/obligation to control borders and the need to hold those who broke immigration laws accountable.

Key Segments:

“It was former President Barack Hussein Obama who awarded a medal to Mr. Homan.” – White House Press Secretary [12:28]

Obama Quote:

“Ultimately, our nation, like all nations, has the right and obligation to control its borders and set laws for residency and citizenship. And no matter how decent they are, no matter their reasons, the 11 million who broke these laws should be held accountable.” – Barack Obama [13:22]

5. Ben Ferguson’s Takeaway

• Ferguson underscores the shifting narrative around deportation and border enforcement, arguing that even progressive Democrats like Obama once supported strong border control.
• He implores listeners to question how incidents are being presented and to consider the consistency of law enforcement actions with legal protocols.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Media Narrative:

  “Whose side is CNN on there? Is it the side of the protester that attacked law enforcement? … they want you to feel sorry for the man who had a broken rib.” – Ben Ferguson [08:12]

• On Law Enforcement Justification:

  “The primary hurdle for using deadly force is cleared and the action is authorized... This is not groundbreaking. It is standard protocol.” – Ben Ferguson [10:30]

• On Obama’s Past Stance:

  “The 11 million who broke these laws should be held accountable.” – Barack Obama [14:21]

Segment Timestamps

• [04:23] – New facts on Alex Preddy’s background and altercations with ICE
• [06:08] – CNN report on prior incident with ICE, injury details, and federal data collection
• [08:12] – Ferguson critiques media framing; details on Preddy being armed
• [10:30] – Explanation of law enforcement policies and DHS protocol
• [12:28] – White House Press Secretary’s remarks on Tom Homan’s credentials
• [13:22] – Barack Obama quoted on the necessity of enforcement and border control

Summary

This episode examines evolving details in the Minneapolis ICE shooting, pushing back against media portrayals of the event and highlighting the actions and backgrounds of both the protester and federal agents. Ferguson stresses the importance of policy continuity and transparency, drawing on past Democratic rhetoric to reinforce current enforcement. The tone is direct and confrontational toward mainstream media while solidly defending law enforcement procedures and decisions.