Podcast Summary:

The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson
Episode: Woman Killed After Attempting to Ram ICE Officer
Date: January 8, 2026
Host: Ben Ferguson

Episode Overview

This episode centers on a fatal incident in Minneapolis involving a woman who attempted to drive her car into an ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) agent during a law enforcement operation. The agent fired in self-defense, resulting in the woman’s death. Host Ben Ferguson dissects the events, critiques the response from political leaders and activists, and frames the situation as emblematic of rising anti-law enforcement sentiment and political radicalization on the left.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Breakdown of the Minneapolis Incident

• The woman was blocking ICE agents during a snowstorm as agents attempted operations ([04:25], [09:23]).
• ICE officers repeatedly commanded her to leave the vehicle; she refused.
• She then used her vehicle as a weapon, accelerating toward an ICE agent.
• The ICE agent fired defensively through the front windshield, resulting in her death ([01:04]).
• Ferguson emphasizes the evidence (bullet hole through the windshield) disproving online claims of an unjustified shooting ([01:04]).

Quote:

“The ICE agent pulls out his gun only when she starts moving towards his body, into his body. This is self defense. That should be a simple case. Close.”
— Ben Ferguson [08:27]

2. Political Framing and “Weaponizing” of the Event

• Ferguson asserts that left-wing rhetoric and teaching have inspired vigilante actions and civil disobedience against federal law enforcement ([01:04], [08:27]).
• He laments the “anarchy being advocated and taught by the left,” stating this death was preventable and incited by political radicals.

Quote:

“A death that was inspired by the anarchists on the left who are advocating for people to literally be vigilantes.”
— Ben Ferguson [01:04]

• He alleges the left is exploiting the tragedy to attack Donald Trump and ICE officers.

3. Statements from Officials

Kristi Noem (DHS Secretary)

• Noem provides a detailed timeline and justified law enforcement’s actions as self-defense.
• She describes the actions as “an act of domestic terrorism” and notes a dramatic increase in vehicle attacks on ICE agents nationally ([04:25], [09:23]).

Quote:

“She then proceeded to weaponize her vehicle and she attempted to run a law enforcement officer over. This appears as an attempt to kill or to cause bodily harm to agents, an act of domestic terrorism.”
— Kristi Noem [04:25], [09:23]

• Noem emphasizes ongoing threats and attacks:
  • “ICE alone is facing a 1,300% increase in assaults … 8,000% increase in death threats…” ([04:25]).

Political Commentary Excerpts:

• J.D. Vance (via tweet, relayed by Ferguson): Emphasizes administration support for ICE against “radicals assaulting them, doxing them and threatening them” ([03:24]).
• Senator Mullen: Stresses ICE agents are “neighbors, friends, and loved ones” facing rising danger ([10:48]).
• Congressman Andy Barr: ICE “delivering exactly what the people voted for, secure border and deportations…” ([10:48]).

4. Community and Political Leaders’ Response

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey:

• Delivers a fiery rebuke against ICE presence:
  Quote:

  “I do have a message for ICE … Get the f--- out of Minneapolis.”
  — Jacob Frey [15:56]

• Blames ICE for the woman’s death and for “tearing families apart” ([17:09]).

Analysis:

• Ferguson brands these remarks as dangerous rhetoric, stoking anti-law enforcement sentiment and endangering lives ([16:13], [17:30]).
• Cites the trend of physical assaults and threats against ICE agents as partly fueled by statements from Democratic leaders, including Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan advocating aggressive civil disobedience ([18:31]).

5. Broader Narrative — Vigilantism and Political Radicalization

• Scott Jennings (CNN, cited by Ferguson) laments the rise of “political vigilantism” and questions why people are obstructing legal law enforcement operations with dangerous and illegal tactics ([18:31]).
• Both Ferguson and Jennings draw parallels to IRS enforcement—saying disliking a law doesn’t empower physical resistance or violence.

Quote (Jennings):

“Political vigilantism is being encouraged by Democratic officials … What do you think happens when you radicalize a base of people about this?”
— Scott Jennings [19:27]

6. Ferguson’s Closing Points

• Criticizes left-leaning activists for “weaponizing their own followers and putting them in harm’s way” ([10:48], [12:54]).
• Decries online rhetoric calling for violence against ICE agents ([13:23]).
• Claims a lack of concern for victims of crimes committed by undocumented immigrants, contrasting with the reaction to the deceased woman ([17:30]).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote | |-----------|-------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 01:04 | Ben Ferguson| “To be clear, this woman and others had, in essence, joined together to follow, to stalk, and to stop ICE agents from doing their job.” | | 04:25, 09:23 | Kristi Noem | “She then proceeded to weaponize her vehicle and attempted to run a law enforcement officer over. … An act of domestic terrorism.” | | 08:27 | Ben Ferguson| “This is self defense. That should be a simple case. Close. But you have these radicals on the left…” | | 10:48 | Kristi Noem | “I encourage the American people at this point in time to pray for him, but also to pray for the deceased’s family and her loved ones.” | | 15:56 | Jacob Frey | “I have a message for ICE … Get the f--- out of Minneapolis.” | | 18:31 | Scott Jennings | “We are undergoing an epidemic of political vigilantism right now. … Why are people believing that they can drive their car into a federal law enforcement situation and that is an appropriate thing to do?” |

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:31] – Ferguson introduces the main story and frames the debate
• [01:04] – Details on the incident, emphasis on evidence and narrative correction
• [04:25] – Kristi Noem’s full statement on the operation and national statistics
• [08:27] – Ferguson’s breakdown labeling the incident as justified self-defense
• [09:23] – Repeat of Kristi Noem’s factual recounting
• [10:48] – Comments on compassion and the human impact
• [15:56] – Mayor Frey’s explicit message to ICE
• [17:09] – Mayor Frey criticizes ICE and blames them for the woman’s death
• [18:31] – Scott Jennings on vigilantism and political radicalization
• [20:10] – Ferguson’s agreement and call to action for his audience

Conclusion

Ben Ferguson delivers an impassioned, detail-heavy monologue framing the Minneapolis shooting as the predictable result of irresponsible anti-enforcement rhetoric from progressive politicians and activists. He gives platform to voices from law enforcement and conservative officials, underscores a perceived epidemic of vigilante acts against ICE, and denounces responses from local Democratic leaders, arguing these fuel further violence and place both law enforcement officers and activists in harm’s way.