The Daily Beans - ICE Lied Again

Host: Allison Gill (A), Dana Goldberg (B)
Date: April 7, 2026
Episode Theme:
A hard-hitting episode focused on the exposure of lies by ICE agents in a shooting investigation, continued attacks on civil rights for transgender students, reports of abuse of immigrant children in federal custody, and updates on the Steve Bannon legal case. Allison and Dana discuss these stories with their trademark blend of progressive analysis, frustration over injustice, and flashes of humor and hope.

Overview

This episode delivers sobering reports on immigration enforcement abuses, anti-trans policy moves by the Trump administration, and failures of justice in prosecutions related to Trump allies. The hosts provide context and critique, discuss broader implications for democracy and human rights, and make space for listener good news to maintain morale.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. ICE Lied About Minneapolis Shooting

• [06:12] The New York Times released video evidence contradicting ICE agents' claims regarding the shooting of Julio Cesar Sosa Sellis in Minneapolis.
• The agents claimed a nearly 3-minute assault with a shovel and broom, but the video shows only a 12-second struggle—no sustained attack.
• Quote:
  “Bare due diligence would have shown that the agents were lying.”
  — Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey ([07:55])
• Federal prosecutors filed charges without viewing the video, relying instead on the ICE and FBI statements. Charges were only dropped after the footage was reviewed weeks later.
• ICE’s response—placing agents on leave, not firing them—raises concerns about accountability and possible criminal charges ahead.
• Context: This occurred during “Operation Metro Surge,” a period of heightened deportation activity under Trump.

2. Trump Administration Ends Transgender Civil Rights Settlements

• [09:30] The Department of Education rescinded agreements with several schools and colleges that were designed to protect transgender students.
• The administration claims previous settlements were "illegal" and based on "radical transgender agenda," focusing only on “biological sex.”
• Quote:
  “Today the Trump administration is removing the unnecessary and unlawful burdens that prior administrations imposed on schools in its relentless pursuit of a radical transgender agenda.”
  — Kimberly Reichi, Assistant Secretary of Civil Rights ([10:18])
• The hosts highlight the cruelty and retrogressive nature of these decisions and reinforce the importance of continuing to fight for trans and non-binary rights.

3. Sexual Abuse of Child Immigrant in Federal Custody

• [11:52] Content Warning: Sexual abuse of children.
• A three-year-old girl, detained after crossing the border, was separated from her mother and sexually abused in foster care while under ICE custody.
• The father (a U.S. legal resident) only learned of the abuse after pursuing a habeas petition to be reunited.
• Prolonged delays in reunification and lack of transparency from federal agencies are critiqued; the abuse was confirmed through forensic examinations.
• Quote:
  “She was so long in there... I just think that if they would have moved faster, nothing like this would have happened.”
  — Father of the child ([12:14])
• The case reinforces critiques of Trump-era family separation and detention policies and systemic failures to protect vulnerable children.

4. Supreme Court & Steve Bannon’s Criminal Case

• [14:28] The Supreme Court allowed the DOJ under Trump to move to dismiss Steve Bannon’s criminal contempt case (over House January 6 subpoena defiance).
• Bannon already served his four-month sentence, but the Supreme Court’s action clears the way for his conviction to be vacated, possibly making prior punishment only symbolic.
• Memorable Exchange:
  B: “I just have to believe we'll get, get the power back eventually...No, you know what? I’m a vindictive person. I want everyone to pay.” ([17:54])
  A: “Somebody was like, you better be glad we’re not seeking revenge. And I’m like, who? What do you mean we—got a mouse in your pocket?” ([17:56])
• Lack of transparency in the DOJ’s reasoning and broader implications for elite accountability are discussed.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On the Administration’s Bad News:
  B: “That whole introduction just hit me right in the chest...some days are easier than others to report the shit...” ([01:48])
• On Trump’s National Security Lapses:
  A: “He’s just saying the quiet parts out loud. And that’s fucking dangerous. He is dangerous right now.” ([06:08])
• On Young Activism:
  Marianne ([35:06], listener good news): “My 19 and 23-year-olds getting out there, getting loud...they were praised by organizers for their enthusiasm...they were energized for what comes next.”

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:00–01:02: Cold open segment, witty banter and advertisements.
• 01:03–01:38: Episode introduction and news headlines.
• 01:43–06:08: Discussion of sports and brief comic relief; segues into the heavy national security and presidential conduct critique.
• 06:12–09:29: Deep-dive into ICE shooting and exposure of ICE’s deception.
• 09:30–11:51: Ending of transgender civil rights settlements by the Department of Education; hosts’ fierce critique.
• 11:52–14:28: Report on sexual abuse of a child in ICE custody; systemic failures and deep empathy.
• 14:28–18:44: Supreme Court decision enabling DOJ to vacate Bannon’s conviction; discussion around impunity and the justice system.
• 23:25–36:22: Listener good news segments (“Good Trouble”): climate activism, student loan forgiveness, artwork by youth, positive protest stories, and personal celebrations, providing a hopeful counterpoint to the earlier news.

Listener Good News Highlights

• [23:25] LA Climate Week promoted by Sean Sweeney; focus on climate justice through grassroots organizing.
• [28:03] Listener Nicole recommends documentaries on book banning and censorship.
• [29:03] Reminder to vote in Georgia and Wisconsin special elections.
• [30:04] Listener Emmy shares her family’s expanding political participation and an inspiring painting by her niece.
• [35:06] Marianne shares protest participation by her young adult children; “the kids are all right.”
• [35:51] Joy celebrates complete student loan forgiveness and shares a joyful photo of her daughter and family dog.

Tone and Additional Reflections

• The episode is somber and outraged in its political and social analysis but leans on humor, solidarity, and “good news” to maintain listener morale.
• The hosts display deep empathy, sharp political critique, and encourage continued activism and hope—even in the face of setbacks.
• Occasional lighter asides about menopause and sports serve to humanize the hosts and provide listeners “palate cleansers.”
• Final recommendations include watching “Love on the Spectrum” as a soothing antidote to heavy news ([36:37]).

Conclusion

A densely reported episode highlighting ongoing abuses and cruelty by ICE and the Trump administration, loss of civil rights protections, and the erosion of accountability for powerful figures. Despite the grim subject matter, Allison and Dana reinforce the importance of vigilance and organizing and close with stories of activism, community, and personal victories to sustain hope.

For more on the stories and activism discussed, see the episode’s show notes and related resources.