Podcast Summary: The Daily Beans – "ICE Unmasked" (feat. Asm. Isaac Bryan)

Date: January 14, 2026
Hosts: Allison Gill, Dana Goldberg
Guest: California Assemblyman Isaac Bryan

Episode Overview

In this episode of The Daily Beans, Allison Gill and Dana Goldberg break down a series of alarming developments surrounding U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), including DOJ resignations over the investigation into Renee Nicole Goode's widow, controversy over ICE’s hiring of pardoned January 6th rioters, and the escalating confrontation between state and federal authorities regarding ICE’s operations. The show features California Assemblyman Isaac Bryan, who discusses California’s legislative efforts to curb the abuses by ICE and prevent local police from moonlighting as federal agents.
Throughout, the hosts maintain their signature blend of snark and righteous outrage, while foregrounding voices directly involved in efforts for justice and accountability.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Mass DOJ Resignations Over ICE-Involved Shooting

[04:54–11:44]

• Six federal prosecutors in Minnesota and at least four Civil Rights Division leaders in D.C. resigned after the DOJ pursued an investigation into Renee Goode's widow (the victim of an ICE shooting), instead of the alleged shooter, Agent Jonathan Ross.
• The prosecutors objected to the abandonment of a civil rights probe into the shooting itself, which set off a wave of protest resignations.
• Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara described the resignations as “a major blow to efforts to root out rampant theft from state agencies.”
• The Justice Department pivoted to investigating Goode and her wife for alleged activist ties, with DHS Secretary Kristi Noem labeling Goode a “domestic terrorist,” a move the hosts denounced as victim-blaming and a political cover-up.
  • Memorable Quote:
    “They're investigating the victims.” – Allison Gill [05:05]
  • Quote from Kristen Clark:
    “Investigating officials to determine if they broke the law, defied policy, failed to de-escalate and resorted to deadly force without basis is just one of the Civil Rights Division's most solemn duties.” [09:13]
• Local and state authorities were barred from participating in the federal investigation; lawsuits have commenced in response.

2. ICE's Growing Power and Questions Over Its Ranks

[11:58–15:18]

• Congressional Democrats are probing whether pardoned January 6th rioters have been hired by ICE, with formal requests for personnel records and hiring communications.
• ICE is undergoing a rapid expansion, funded by a $75 billion boost, amid concerns over agents concealing their identities (“unique among all law enforcement agencies...” – Jamie Raskin [13:21]).
• Former Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn voiced concern:
  • Quote:
    “Given the pardons and appointment of people into this administration, lawlessness is not frowned upon, but rewarded.” [14:30]
• The hosts highlight the implications of masked, potentially radicalized agents wielding state power with little transparency.

3. Contempt Showdown Over Epstein Investigation Subpoenas

[15:18–20:49]

• Bill and Hillary Clinton decline congressional subpoenas to testify about the Epstein files, offering sworn declarations instead. The episode explores the legal standoff, political motivations, and the limits of what could be learned.
  • Quote from the Clintons' letter:
    “Every person has to decide when they have seen or had enough and are ready to fight for this country, its principles and its people, no matter the consequences. For us, now is that time.” [17:03]
• Dana Goldberg voices skepticism about Bill Clinton’s claim of having no relevant knowledge but supports accountability regardless of party.
  • Memorable Moment:
    Dana Goldberg: “If Bill Clinton did anything wrong, I am one of those people... I want him to pay for that.” [17:57]
• The hosts discuss the likelihood that the matter will become moot with a change in Congressional leadership before legal proceedings finish.

4. Interview: Assemblyman Isaac Bryan on California’s Fight Against ICE

[23:55–37:49]

California’s Approach to Limiting ICE Abuses

• Enforcement of "No Mask" Law:
  • While difficult to enforce due to ongoing federal litigation, Assemblyman Bryan argues local law enforcement can hold ICE agents accountable when they violate state laws.
  • Federal pushback is strong, but California is committed to defending its statutes in court.
  • Quote:
    “Our local law enforcement... and our Attorney General hold federal agents, ICE agents, accountable when they violate state laws inside the state of California.” – Isaac Bryan [25:30]
• Moonlighting Bill (AB 1537):
  • Inspired by ICE agents posing as local cops, and vice versa, this bill bans local law enforcement from moonlighting as ICE agents and requires notification if they are working with Homeland Security.
  • Quote:
    “You shouldn't sign up to protect and serve the community by day and terrorize and kidnap community members by night. To me, this is common sense.” – Isaac Bryan [30:16]
  • The bill’s urgency may speed its passage, though police unions are expected to resist.
• Legislative Momentum and Legal Strategies:
  • Bryan is also pursuing legislation to ban law enforcement (including ICE) from targeting journalists and protesters with “non-lethal” munitions during demonstrations, referencing federal court rulings as models for California law.
  • Codifying these standards is seen as crucial for civil liberties and safety.
    • Quote:
      “We can't wait for the courts. And even if the courts have a ruling, one day the Supreme Court may overturn that.” – Isaac Bryan [35:11]
• Guidance and Call to Action for Californians:
  • Assemblyman Bryan urges residents to know and assert their rights:
    • “If they do not have a judicial warrant and you are an employer, you do not have to let them in.” [36:51]
  • Encourages public engagement at every level—from sharing accurate information to direct protest and legislative advocacy.

Broader Lessons and National Solidarity

• Bryan is working with peers nationally to share best practices; coordinated resistance is necessary given the militarization and politicization of ICE.
  • Quote:
    “If we band together, if we stand in solidarity across this country, if we share best practices and best policies, I still believe in the power of the people.” [36:19]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the pattern of victim-blaming:
  “They're investigating the victims.” – Allison Gill [05:05]

• On the expansion of ICE & dangerous opacity:
  “Unique among all law enforcement agencies... ICE agents conceal their identities, wearing masks and removing names from their uniforms.” – Jamie Raskin [13:21]

• On legislative resolve:
  “No matter how much opposition there is, no matter how much it makes me a target of the Trump administration ... I have to do my job. We all have to stand up for democracy in this moment.” – Isaac Bryan [27:00]

• On holding accountable all abusers, regardless of party:
  “If Bill Clinton did anything wrong ... I want him to pay for that.” – Dana Goldberg [17:57]

• On public responsibility:
  “Everybody has to play their part... If you can get outside and protest and be heard, do that. If you're in the privileged position to write laws ... do that and do that with courage.” – Isaac Bryan [37:16]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• DOJ & MN Prosecutor Resignations / ICE Investigation scandal:
  [04:54–11:44]

• ICE hiring Jan. 6 rioters / Congressional inquiry:
  [11:58–15:18]

• Clinton/Epstein subpoena standoff & legal analysis:
  [15:18–20:49]

• Interview with Isaac Bryan: California’s Legal Push Against ICE:
  [23:55–37:49]

  • "No Mask" law discussion: [25:30–27:00]
  • AB 1537 on local police moonlighting: [29:46–31:31]
  • Codifying protections for journalists/protesters: [33:16–35:36]
  • National solidarity/Advice to Californians: [35:43–37:41]

Tone & Language

The episode is marked by a sense of urgency, moral clarity, and biting humor. The hosts blend legal analysis and activism with their trademark wit and refusal to accept injustices as business as usual. Assemblyman Bryan’s contributions have a sober but hopeful tone, focusing on direct action and solidarity.

Conclusion

The Daily Beans’ “ICE Unmasked” episode is a comprehensive and impassioned exploration of the ongoing abuses tied to federal immigration enforcement, the resistance from inside the justice system, and the vital, evolving role of state lawmakers like Isaac Bryan. The episode offers clarity, context, and a roadmap for civic engagement at a time when the line between law enforcement and political repression is growing alarmingly thin.

Three Key Takeaways:

1. Legal and political resistance to ICE’s abuses is mounting—within DOJ, among state lawmakers, and on the streets.
2. Transparency battles over ICE’s conduct and recruitment have national security and civil liberties implications well beyond immigration policy.
3. Collective action and informed advocacy, paired with legislative foresight, are critical in defending vulnerable communities and democratic norms.

Notable Call to Action:
“If you live in California, call your state legislators and urge them to support AB 1537. Know your rights, get involved—everyone has a role to play.”