Podcast Summary: The Briefing with Jen Psaki

Episode: Calls for accountability for ICE run amok puts Noem in the hot seat
Date: January 28, 2026
Host: Jen Psaki (MS NOW)
Featured Guests: Sen. Tina Smith (MN), Jeh Johnson (Fmr. Sec. of Homeland Security), Rep. Seth Moulton (MA), Sen. Alex Padilla (CA)

Overview of Episode Theme

This episode centers on the intensifying controversy over ICE and Homeland Security's actions in Minnesota following the killing of ICU nurse Alex Preddy and other incidents. Jen Psaki unpacks rapidly evolving events: high-profile protests in subzero temperatures, conflicting federal and state responses, a leadership change within ICE, and mounting bipartisan calls for accountability—including pressure on Trump officials like Secretary Kristi Noem. Through interviews with lawmakers and experts, Psaki explores what real accountability might look like, the failures of federal oversight, and what comes next in Minnesota and beyond.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Grassroots Power and the Minnesota Protests

• Community Leadership: Minnesotans, undeterred by freezing temperatures and threats, orchestrated sustained protests outside courthouses and across the state. Their activism is lauded as one of the “best display[s] of humanity… since Donald Trump was inaugurated” ([Jen Psaki, 00:45]).
• Catalyst for Change: The protests are credited with the forced retirement of ICE official Greg Bovino—a rare instance of grassroots movement making a direct policy impact.
• Ongoing Demands: “They were also demanding that ICE leave their state once and for all… this fight isn’t over yet” ([Jen Psaki, 01:45]).

2. Leadership Swap: From Bovino to Homan—Real Change or More of the Same?

• Skepticism about Homan: Tom Homan, the controversial former ICE director, replaces Bovino. Homan's history includes defending family separation at the border, defiance of court orders, harsh rhetoric against undocumented immigrants, and allegations of bribery ([Jen Psaki, 03:21]).
• No Confidence: Governor Tim Walz and others are unconvinced the change signals real reform: “The end of this is not Greg Bevino leaving. The end of this is a sane policy on how you do immigration reform and stop an attack by the federal government on a state” ([Gov. Tim Walz, 02:44]).

3. Trump Administration Response: Gaslighting and Deflection

• Dismissal of Criticism: Trump and his allies continue hostile rhetoric, labeling protesters as "paid insurrectionists" and blaming victims, including Alex Preddy, for their own deaths ([Jen Psaki/Seth Moulton, 06:16-07:16]).
• Hypocrisy on Guns: Psaki points out the double standard, noting Trump's support for armed right-wing protesters elsewhere while blaming Preddy, a licensed gun owner, for carrying a weapon ([Jen Psaki, 07:16]).

4. Calls for Accountability (and Infighting) in the Trump Administration

• Blame-Shifting: The administration and its officials, particularly Secretary Kristi Noem and advisor Stephen Miller, deflect blame for incendiary statements about victims like Preddy, fueling public distrust ([Jen Psaki, 09:15]).
• Escalating Pressure: At least 23 Republicans and growing numbers of Democrats now demand investigations and, in some cases, resignations: “The pushback is working. What people of Minnesota are doing is working. It’s powerful, it’s impactful” ([Jen Psaki, 12:30]).

5. On-the-Ground Realities: Senator Tina Smith’s Perspective

• Ongoing ICE Abuses: Despite the leadership shake-up, Smith reports that unmarked ICE vehicles continue detaining residents without warrants. Mutual aid efforts help those now afraid to leave their homes ([Tina Smith, 13:38]).
• Minnesotan Tenacity: The “Minnesota attitude” means activists remain both hopeful and resolute: “If you are weak in the face of a bully, they will keep on bullying you. But if you are strong, if you stand up to them, then they, like, try to find a way out” ([Tina Smith, 14:26]).
• Reluctance to Believe Promises: “The proof is in the pudding… You’ve got to show me that you actually mean what you are saying” ([Tina Smith, 17:23]).

6. Assault on Rep. Ilhan Omar – Patterns of Right-Wing Incitement

• Violence Against Politicians: At a town hall, Omar is attacked with a substance by a member of the audience—a reminder of the dangers elected officials, especially those targeted by Trump, now face ([Tina Smith, 15:51]).
• Courage Amid Threats: Omar refuses to end the event, demonstrating “what service and patriotism look like” ([Tina Smith, 16:06]).

7. Legislative Action in Washington

• Democratic Leverage: Senate Democrats threaten to block Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and ICE funding bills unless reforms like requiring body cameras, badges, and banning warrantless detentions are adopted ([Tina Smith, 19:08]; [Sen. Padilla, 43:24]).
• Demands for Basic Oversight: Sen. Smith: “You cannot enforce the law if you think you’re above it… We can take some basic steps to help keep Americans safe from this out of control agency” ([Tina Smith, 19:08]).

8. The Faulty Federal “Self-Investigation” and Lack of Transparency

• No Independent Probe: The DOJ refuses to open a civil rights inquiry into Preddy's killing; instead, DHS will “investigate itself”—a move Psaki and Jeh Johnson excoriate ([Jen Psaki, 22:11]).
• Johnson on Proper Process: “Even in normal circumstances, a government agency cannot investigate itself unless it has a truly independent inspector general to start such an investigation” ([Jeh Johnson, 24:51]).
• Risks of Parallel Investigations: Local and federal authorities are not sharing evidence, risking contradictory findings and undermining trust ([Jeh Johnson, 27:33]).

9. Within Congress: Impeachment, Prosecution, and Bipartisan Frustration

• Pressure on Kristi Noem: Over 160 Democrats demand her impeachment; Sen. Lisa Murkowski and Sen. Thom Tillis break GOP ranks ([Jen Psaki, 31:31]).
• Republican Cowardice: Rep. Seth Moulton shares private admissions from GOP colleagues who recognize ICE is breaking the law but are “too scared to say that publicly because I’m worried about my own job” ([Seth Moulton, 32:27]).
• Abolish & Prosecute ICE: Moulton, echoing a growing chorus, calls for not just abolition but prosecution of agents who break the law ([Seth Moulton, 35:00]).

10. Federal Judge Forces ICE to Relent

• Judicial Oversight: A Bush-appointed federal judge threatens to hold ICE’s acting director in contempt, resulting in the release of an improperly-held detainee—a rare check on executive overreach ([Jen Psaki, 36:20]).

11. Horrific Detention Conditions Exposed

• Sen. Padilla’s Eyewitness Account: Padilla describes “inhumane” conditions at California’s largest ICE detention facility: “lack of medical care… complaints about mental health treatment… all needs to change, and it begins with actual independent oversight” ([Alex Padilla, 39:29]; [41:31]).
• Legislation Proposed: The Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act would set basic standards for detainee care and mandates independent investigations for deaths in custody ([Padilla, 42:03]).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Jen Psaki (on protester resilience):
  “The people of Minnesota made Donald Trump blink. That little angry, cruel henchman of his is now on his way out of their state… the best display of humanity we have seen since Donald Trump was inaugurated in the face of a massive tragedy.” ([00:45])

• Gov. Tim Walz’s analogy:
  “A lot of folks think winter’s over in March. Minnesotans don’t let their guard down till May…” ([02:44])

• On Tom Homan’s perspective:
  “We’re going to create a database… we’re going to make them famous, we’re going to put their face on TV…” ([Tom Homan, paraphrased by Jeh Johnson, 04:59])

• Sen. Tina Smith (ICE reality check):
  “There were still ICE raids happening. So…you’ve got unmarked SUVs with guys with masks and…no identification, are still driving up and down the streets, pulling up, randomly hauling people out of their cars with no warrant.” ([Tina Smith, 13:38])

• On Republican silence:
  “I know the truth… And yet I’m just too scared to say that publicly because I’m worried about my own job.” ([Seth Moulton, 32:27])

• Rep. Seth Moulton on ICE:
  “You cannot enforce the law if you think you’re above it. So that should be the first priority.” ([Seth Moulton, 35:00])

• Sen. Alex Padilla on in-custody deaths:
  “Last year, calendar year 2025, was the deadliest year for detainees in ICE facilities. And we’re on track just the January numbers to exceed that in 2026.” ([Alex Padilla, 42:03])

• Jeh Johnson on investigations:
  “A government agency cannot investigate itself unless it has a truly independent inspector general…One of the other facets of a truly independent investigation is you don’t have government leaders prejudging what has happened within moments of the incident.” ([Jeh Johnson, 24:51])

• Jen Psaki, on inertia in the Trump team:
  “Trump still has not fired or demoted either Miller or Noem, though each of them is acting like their job is on the line and searching for a scapegoat. So that’s… telling.” ([Jen Psaki, 09:15])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Minnesota Protests & Grassroots Pushback: 00:45–03:21
• ICE Leadership Change & Homan’s Record: 03:21–05:17
• Trump Administration Rhetoric & Hypocrisy: 06:16–07:16
• White House Deflection & Blame-Shifting: 09:15–12:30
• Sen. Tina Smith Interview: 13:24–20:57
• Calls for DHS/ICE Reform in Congress: 18:31–20:57
• Federal "Self-Investigation" Critique: 22:11–24:51
• Jeh Johnson on Investigation Standards: 24:51–29:11
• Impeachment & Republican Frustration: 31:31–36:07
• Sen. Alex Padilla Interview on Detention Centers: 39:29–44:29

Tone & Language

The episode maintains Jen Psaki’s signature blend of urgent, fact-based analysis and pointed, often wry, commentary. Guests share first-hand experiences in candid, sometimes emotional language, emphasizing both outrage and hope. The mood is a mix of somber (in recounting abuses and violence), skeptical (in evaluating federal promises), and inspirational (celebrating grassroots resilience and progress).

Key Takeaways

• Sustained grassroots activism in Minnesota is proving effective but the fight for true accountability is ongoing.
• Federal leadership changes are seen as cosmetic; systemic reform and independent oversight remain critical demands.
• Reforms demanded include body cameras, bans on warrantless detentions, and independent investigations into deaths and abuses.
• Bipartisan cracks are emerging, but fear and party discipline still stifle action within the Republican caucus.
• Lawmakers vividly describe a humanitarian crisis within detention facilities—fuelling stronger legislative and political efforts for reform and oversight.

For listeners wanting an unfiltered account of the ICE crisis and the growing movement for reform, this episode delivers a comprehensive, on-the-ground, and behind-the-scenes view, capturing both outrage and the sense of possibility in this high-stakes chapter of U.S. policy and activism.