The Al Franken Podcast
Episode: Norm Ornstein on ICE Terrorizing Minnesota
Released: February 1, 2026
Episode Overview
This episode examines the ongoing and increasingly brutal presence of ICE and Border Patrol agents in Minnesota under the Trump administration. Host Al Franken is joined by political scientist Norm Ornstein to discuss how federal law enforcement has been "terrorizing" the state, traumatizing communities of color, and provoking massive grassroots resistance. The conversation covers egregious abuses by agents, disturbing new tactics by the administration, the complicity (and occasional pushback) from politicians and corporations, and the inspiring ways Minnesotans are rallying to defend targeted neighbors.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Minnesota Under Siege by ICE and CBP
- Massive, militarized presence: Over 3,000 ICE and Border Patrol agents have flooded Minnesota, ostensibly to crack down on undocumented immigrants, but have targeted Black Minnesotans, Somali Americans (most of whom are citizens), and other communities of color indiscriminately.
- Widespread fear and trauma: Families are afraid to leave their homes; children are missing school; hospitals have seen parents stop visiting their babies for fear of arrest.
- Notable abuse stories: ICE agents using deception (posing as mutual aid volunteers), injuring detainees, making medical decisions for patients, and in some cases, using children as bait or hostages.
"ICE’s presence in hospitals has been particularly disturbing. I was told about a NICU where half the babies aren’t receiving visitors because their families are too scared that ICE will show up at the hospital."
— Al Franken (06:30)
2. Alex Preddy's Murder & Administration Response
- Horrifying video evidence: Alex Preddy, a community member, was shot 10 times while pinned to the ground by ICE agents—even as he appeared unarmed and nonthreatening. Agents were seen celebrating after the shooting.
- Administration spin & deflection: Kristi Noem and Stephen Miller publicly blamed Preddy for his own death and painted him as a domestic terrorist—despite overwhelming video evidence to the contrary.
- Attempts to stifle investigation: ICE confiscated and possibly wiped Preddy's phone and initially stalled any meaningful probes into agent misconduct.
"The level of sadism...exulted in it. And one of them went away clapping his hands instead of administering to him—even if he had been dead..."
— Norm Ornstein (12:14)
3. Political Fallout and Internal GOP Strife
- Backlash and PR crisis: Trump and administration figures now attempt to "de-escalate" rhetorically as public outcry grows, even among some Republicans.
- Shifting scapegoats: Kristi Noem distances herself ("I was only following orders"; 17:05). Bevino replaced by Tom Homan, who is “more reasonable” in tone but deeply implicated in past scandals.
- Impeachment talk: A growing number of House Democrats have endorsed a resolution to impeach Noem for abuses related to these events.
4. Systemic Problems and Institutional Complicity
- Democratic ambivalence: Some Democrats, notably John Fetterman, offer lukewarm support for ICE reforms despite personal ties to immigrant communities.
- Corporate silence: Large Minnesota corporations have been largely silent or tepid, issuing only vague calls to "de-escalate tension."
- Federal incentives for mass arrests: Agents reportedly receive bonuses for arrests, regardless of legal status or criminality of detainees.
5. Grassroots Resistance and Community Solidarity
- Mass protests & mutual aid: Tens of thousands march in subzero weather; mutual aid networks deliver groceries and provide safe transportation, with over 1,400 people receiving food in one week alone.
- Constitutional observer movement: Civic training sessions empower volunteers to document ICE abuses and advocate for immigrant rights.
"For every terrible story about ICE snatching an innocent person off the street, there are 10 stories of Minnesotans coming together...the level of mutual aid is astounding."
— Al Franken (08:20)
- Digital infiltration and retaliation: ICE and online extremists are doxxing, infiltrating Signal chats, and spreading misinformation—but community groups continue to adapt and resist.
6. Racist and Authoritarian Overtones
- Explicit retribution: Trump is described as using the operation for "retribution" against political enemies in Minnesota, a blue state.
- Targeting communities of color: Black, Somali, and Native American communities are disproportionately targeted, sometimes being deported or detained despite citizenship.
- Voter suppression linkage: Efforts to extract voter rolls and suppress turnout among Somali and Native voters, raising fears about integrity of upcoming elections.
"They want to get not just how people have registered or even something about how they might have voted, but...use that info to go after them before an election..."
— Norm Ornstein (59:31)
7. Proposals for ICE Reform
- Demands from Democrats:
- Agents must remove masks and wear body cameras.
- Stop home raids without judicial warrants (Fourth Amendment).
- Prohibit attacks on peaceful observers and bystanders.
- Accountability and prosecution for agents violating laws—though skepticism remains on whether these are "real" reforms or PR.
"They want to remove the masks. They want body cams, just like police have to do...No more violations of the Fourth Amendment...no more attacking protesters." — Norm Ornstein (32:07)
8. Detention Facilities and Human Rights Atrocities
- Creation and use of ad hoc detention camps (e.g., Fort Snelling, “Alligator Alcatraz” in Florida).
- Documented deaths and disappearances: At least one child has died due to lack of medication, cases of fatal abuse/murder, families separated and people effectively "disappeared."
- Transporting and abandoning detainees: Citizens and legal residents are sometimes detained, moved across the country (to Texas), and released with no support, as a form of cruelty and intimidation.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On ICE's Tactics:
"We have to also remember that when Trump called for this massive movement into Minnesota, he used the word retribution...against Tim Walz...against a blue state that voted against him."
— Norm Ornstein (21:31) -
On the state of the Minnesota GOP:
"Emmer, who made a major effort to try and get Somalis to vote Republican, has abandoned that community entirely...He’s given up every element of his fundamental humanity."
— Norm Ornstein (26:30) -
On Community Response:
"Minnesota nice is reflected in...the vast majority who live in the Twin Cities...But it's not uniform. The Republicans in the Minnesota House and Senate...have been simply awful."
— Norm Ornstein (24:44) -
On Kidnapping and Extortion of Native Americans:
"They arrested four members of the Sioux Nation who were homeless in Minneapolis...and then said, we will let you know where they are...if you sign an agreement on immigration with ICE. So this is kidnapping and extortion."
— Norm Ornstein (58:01)
Timestamps for Important Segments
- [03:00] – Overview of ICE/CBP abuses and community trauma in Minnesota
- [07:45] – Mutual aid and constitutional observer efforts
- [12:14] – Alex Preddy’s murder and ICE’s response
- [17:05] – Kristi Noem's public backtracking ("just following orders")
- [24:30] – Minnesota’s political history and corporate silence
- [31:30] – Right-wing extremist recruitment into ICE
- [32:07] – Democratic demands for ICE reforms
- [38:51] – Public opinion turning against Trump on immigration
- [42:00] – House Democrats’ move to impeach Kristi Noem
- [46:34] – Empowerment of constitutional observers
- [51:00] – ICE detention camps and deaths in custody
- [56:25] – ICE targeting the Somali community for voter suppression
- [58:01] – Kidnapping/extortion of Native American homeless
- [59:31] – Federal demands for state voter rolls and their implications
Tone and Atmosphere
Despite the severity of the subject, the conversation maintains Al Franken’s trademark blend of moral outrage, dry wit, and gratitude for community resilience. Norm Ornstein brings a scholarly but impassioned perspective, underscoring the real and imminent dangers faced by civil society amid federal overreach.
Conclusion
Franken and Ornstein close by emphasizing Minnesotans' resolve to continue resisting injustice and defending democratic norms, urging listeners nationwide to get involved in whatever capacity they can—donating, observing, advocating, or supporting frontline communities—against what they see as a “racist and violent agenda.”
This is a sobering, deeply disturbing episode that shines a critical spotlight on authoritarian abuses—while highlighting the power of organized, collective resistance.