Homan Ends MN Surge, AG Ellison Grilled on the Hill, El Paso Airspace Laser Mystery: AM Update 2/13

Summary

---

The Megyn Kelly Show – AM Update 2/13/2026

Host: Emily Jasinsky (substituting for Megyn Kelly)
Episode Theme:
A rapid-fire update on major political, legal, and security stories: the end of Operation Metro Surge in Minnesota, a heated Senate hearing featuring MN Attorney General Keith Ellison, developments in the Nancy Guthrie missing person case, and unraveling the El Paso airspace laser incident.

---

1. End of Operation Metro Surge in Minnesota

Overview

Tom Homan, Border Czar, announces the drawdown of federal immigration enforcement officers in the Twin Cities, citing improved cooperation with local authorities—though local leaders push back on that narrative.

Key Points

• Drawdown Details: Roughly 2,000 federal officers are pulling back from field operations.
• Cooperation as a Reason: Homan asserts “newly forged cooperation agreements” now enable ICE to safely take custody of criminal illegal aliens directly from local jails, without large-scale surges.
• Local Pushback: Both Governor Tim Walz and Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office deny there’s been any official policy shift.

In Homan’s Words

“We now have the ability to arrest criminal aliens in the safety and security of jails throughout the state at the time they're being released. Like we've done in other states... We worked on a strategic plan to reassign officers in those key locations.”
— Tom Homan (03:21)

• Not a Full Retreat: ICE will retain a presence through Quick Response Forces (QRFs) in Minnesota to respond quickly to unrest, as anti-ICE activist networks have previously disrupted operations.
• Tangible Results: Homan reports, “ICE locating 3,364 missing unaccompanied alien children and arresting more than 4,000 criminal illegal aliens, including violent offenders, sex offenders and gang members.” (06:37)
• Appreciation for Law Enforcement: Homan thanks local law authorities and officials for increased support (05:45).

Notable Moment

“I have also received commitments from state and local law enforcement that they will respond if federal law enforcement is being impeded or assaulted. They will shut down unlawful agitator activity, including arresting agitators involved...”
— Tom Homan (05:45)

Reactions

• Governor Tim Walz:
  He refuses to “spike the football,” expressing frustration with federal tactics:

  “You're not going to hear me express any gratitude for the people who caused this unnecessary, unwarranted and in many cases unconstitutional assault on our state in America.”
  — Tim Walz, recounted by Emily Jasinsky (06:59)

---

2. Senate Homeland Security Hearing: Immigration Flashpoints

Panel Lineup

• Minnesota officials, including AG Keith Ellison
• Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons
• CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott

Notable Exchanges

Senator Alyssa Slotkin vs. Tom Homan

• Slotkin worries about ICE officers being used at polling stations; Homan unequivocally denies POTUS has authority or reason for such orders.

  “There's no reason for us to play.”
  — Tom Homan (08:24)

Senator Rand Paul & Keith Ellison

• Paul presses Ellison on whether local officials will aid ICE.

  “If ICE called the local Minneapolis police and said, we want to arrest this person, will the Minneapolis police help ICE to arrest a person?”
  — Senator Rand Paul (09:53)

  • Ellison responds, “I think so, yes.” (10:10)

Senator Bernie Moreno v. Keith Ellison

• Moreno tries (unsuccessfully) to get a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ on deporting people in the U.S. illegally.
  • Ellison hedges, indicating the process depends on due process and asylum claims.

  “My simple answer is, sir, it depends.”
  — Keith Ellison (10:48)

  • They get lost in distinctions between civil and criminal law:

  “Because immigration is essentially civil and breaking into my home is a criminal matter.”
  — Keith Ellison (11:00)

Senator Josh Hawley's Confrontation

• Hawley interrogates Ellison about fraud in the ‘Feeding Our Future’ program, accuses him of enabling fraud for campaign cash.

  “Are you the attorney general of the state of Minnesota? Yes or no?”
  — Senator Josh Hawley (11:40)

  • "Let's try another question. Are you familiar with the $9 billion in historic fraud out of your state...?”
  • “Well, I should call you prisoner because you ought to be in jail.” (12:38)
  • Ellison parries as best he can against increasingly sharp acid from Hawley:

  “That's a false statement.”
  — Keith Ellison (12:24)

Most Heated Moment

“Well, I should call you prisoner because you ought to be in jail.”
— Senator Josh Hawley (12:38)

---

3. True Crime Update: The Search for Nancy Guthrie (Tucson, AZ)

Status

• 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie is still missing.

Investigative Developments

• Pima County Sheriff asks public for any surveillance footage from Jan 1 – Feb 2.
• Phil Holloway (MK True Crime host) explains:
  • Investigators are checking for delivery drivers and foot traffic; possible focus on Guthrie’s family home, as neighbors suspect something local.

“They [neighbors] did express some specific opinions about the case and about the neighbors... a lot of them believe that there is a direct connection between that house and the crime scene.”
— Phil Holloway (15:21)

---

4. El Paso Airspace Shutdown Mystery: Lasers and Drones

What Happened?

• FAA abruptly closed airspace over El Paso and nearby Santa Teresa, NM (Feb 11), citing “special security reasons.”
• The closure lasted several hours and created alarm.
• New York Times Reporting: The real reason: CBP deployed a high-energy Pentagon-supplied laser weapon to neutralize what was believed to be a cartel drone, but it was actually a party balloon.
• The FAA was not given proper notice, leading to safety concerns for commercial aircraft.

Wider Concerns

• Fort Bliss has run counter-drone operations for years; cartel drone incursions are an ongoing problem at the southern border.
• Pentagon and FAA to meet Feb 20 to discuss laser weapons’ risks near civilian airspace.
• TX Senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn call for a classified briefing.

---

5. Notable Quotes & Moments by Timestamp

• [03:21] Tom Homan: “We now have the ability to arrest criminal aliens in the safety and security of jails throughout the state at the time they're being released.”
• [05:45] Tom Homan: “I have also received commitments from state and local law enforcement that they will respond if federal law enforcement is being impeded or assaulted...”
• [06:59] Tim Walz (quoted): “You're not going to hear me express any gratitude for the people who caused this unnecessary, unwarranted... assault on our state in America.”
• [10:48] Keith Ellison: “My simple answer is, sir, it depends.”
• [11:40–12:38] Senator Josh Hawley: “Are you the attorney general... Well, I should call you prisoner because you ought to be in jail.”
• [15:21] Phil Holloway: “A lot of them believe that there is a direct connection between that house and the crime scene.”
• [16:14] Emily Jasinsky: “New reporting shedding light on what actually triggered Wednesday's brief shutdown of airspace over El Paso, Texas… CBP officials believed they were firing at a cartel drone, but sources saying it turned out to be a party balloon.”

---

6. Tone & Language

• Direct, no-nonsense style from all parties.
• Politically charged, especially in the Senate hearing segment (confrontational, combative).
• Law enforcement and public safety repeatedly emphasized as justification for recent federal actions.

---

7. Segment Timestamps

| Segment | Timestamp Start | Notable Content | |----------------------------------------------|----------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | End of Operation Metro Surge | 00:44 | Homan’s announcement, local dispute over cooperation, summary of surge results | | ICE tactics, local response, QRFs | 03:21 | Homan details new local cooperation, future ICE response presence | | Senate Homeland Security Hearings | 07:28 | Heated questioning: Slotkin, Paul, Moreno, Hawley vs. Ellison | | True Crime: Nancy Guthrie Missing | 14:09 | Investigative updates, neighbor theories, Phil Holloway’s commentary | | El Paso Airspace Laser Shutdown | 16:14 | FAA closure, mistaken laser deployment, TX senators demand answers |

---

For More

• Anyone with info on Nancy Guthrie: call 1-800-CALL-FBI or submit tips at tips.FBI.gov.
• Catch The Megyn Kelly Show live on Sirius XM Channel 111 and on YouTube.

---

Summary prepared for listeners seeking a comprehensive, engaging recap—no agenda, just the facts, color, and the best moments.

Transcript

[Strayer University Announcer]

At Strayer University, we help students like you go from Is it possible? To Anything is possible by offering access to up to 10 no cost gen Ed courses so you can reach your goals affordably and fast. Visit Strayer. Edu to learn more. No Cost Gen Ed is provided by Strayer University affiliate sofia. Eligibility rules apply. Connect with us for details. Strayer University is certified to operate in Virginia by Chev and has many campuses, including at 2121 15th Street north in Arlington, Virginia.

[Emily Jasinsky]

Good morning everyone. I'm Emily Jasinsky, host of Afterparty and the Megyn Kelly Wrap Up show on Sirius XM Channel 111. It's Friday, February 13th, 2026, and this is your AM update.

[Tom Homan]

Operation Metro Surge is ending.

[Emily Jasinsky]

Border czar Tom Homan announcing the end of the federal surge into the Twin Cities, setting newly forged cooperation agreements with local authorities.

[Senator Josh Hawley]

I should call you a prisoner because you ought to be in jail.

[Emily Jasinsky]

Temperatures flaring on Capitol Hill as Minnesota attorney Colonel Keith Ellison appears before the Senate Homeland Security Committee. The search intensifies in Tucson. Investigators casting a wider net in the search for Nancy Guthrie. New reporting reveals what really triggered the El Paso airspace shutdown. And get ready. It involves lasers. All that and more coming up in just a moment on your AM update.

[PureTalk Wireless Advertiser]

You know PureTalk's favorite holiday? It it's Presidents Day because they believe wireless service should cost you only a couple of presidents. Just a Jackson and a Lincoln to be exact. For just 25 bucks a month, PureTalk gives you unlimited talk, text and plenty of data. Now compare that to big wireless. They'd rather celebrate Benjamin Franklin Day so they can charge your family hundreds every month. That's not right. You deserve better. Pur Talk is an American wireless company who who supports our veterans and invests in a US Only customer service team. So when you call, you're talking to someone right here at home. PureTalk uses the same towers as the big carriers, so enjoy superior 5G coverage without the inflated price. Just 25 bucks a month for Talk text and plenty of data. No contract, no cancellation fee. What are you waiting for? Just dial £250 and say keyword Megyn Kelly and you will get 50% off your first month. Again, dial £250 and say Megyn Kelly. To make the switch to Pure Talk.

[Emily Jasinsky]

Orders are Tom Homan yesterday announcing the end of Operation Metro Surge in the Twin Cities, marking the drawdown of roughly 2,000 federal officers remaining in the field. Homan crediting increased cooperation from Minnesota state and local officials, saying new coordination agreements now allow federal agents to safely take custody of of criminal illegal aliens directly from local jails, eliminating the need for large scale surge operations. However, both Governor Tim Walz and the sheriff's office in Hennepin county, which runs the largest jail in the state, telling the New York Times there had been no changes in their policies. Homan yesterday, however, says coordination between the federal government and state and local officials has improved and outlined some of the changes.

[Tom Homan]

While I don't agree with Governor Walsh and Attorney General Ellison and everything we I appreciate the support the governor gives to state agencies who coordinate with us in a manner intended to promote public safety and I appreciate the AG having an open dialogue with me early on. First meeting I had acknowledging that county jails may notify ICE of the release date of an inmate just as long as they don't hold them past the time they would normally release them. We now have the ability to arrest criminal aliens in the safety and security of jails throughout the state at the time they're being released. Like we've done in other states. I've also directed the strategic placement of officers in certain areas throughout the states that can respond quickly to sheriffs that want to release somebody and notify us. We need to be nearby so they don't hold them unnecessarily. So we worked on a strategic plan to reassign officers in those key locations.

[Emily Jasinsky]

Homan also making clear the drawdown is not a full retreat, saying ICE officers, including Quick Response Forces or QRFs, will remain in Minnesota to respond to potential unrest.

[Tom Homan]

ICE has had an office here for decades before it was called INS Immigration Naturalization Service. This footprint will remain here and they'll continue to do immigration enforcement here. But as President Trump has said from day one, we're going to prioritize the public safety threats, but we won't get back to the footprint here, the normal footprint here, but there will be some security teams staying here, the QRFs, until we're assured that those agitators incidents either stay low or further decline. I'm not going to remove everybody out of the safety of our officers. But like I said in Operation Metro.

[Emily Jasinsky]

Surge since the beginning of the surge organized anti ICE activist networks rapidly deploying to enforcement operations, sometimes warning suspects, disrupting arrests and confronting federal agents. The trainings from these networks contributing to two fatal encounters with federal officials. The Trump administration previously citing the lack of local police support as the reason thousands of additional federal officers had to be deployed. Homan now saying local law enforcement has committed to protecting federal officers and shutting down unlawful interference from agitators.

[Tom Homan]

I have also received commitments from state and local law enforcement that they will respond if federal law enforcement is being impeded or assaulted. They will shut down unlawful agitator activity, including arresting agitators involved and seeing them follow through. I want to thank Governor Walsh for his messages focusing on peace and his support for the Minnesota State Troopers to respond to unlawful situations that put federal officers and the public at risk. I also want to thank Mayor Fry for taking a public stance against agitators, setting up barricades that block streets and endanger public safety, and for directing the police to take those roadblocks down. Just say I want to thank Police Chief o', Hara, Sheriff Witt and various other local law enforcement for their responsiveness and efforts to maintain law and order in the streets. We've seen a big change here in the last couple weeks and it's all good changes.

[Emily Jasinsky]

Homan also reporting that during operation Metro surge, ICE locating 3,364 missing unaccompanied alien children and arresting more than 4,000 criminal illegal aliens, including violent offenders, sex offenders and gang members. Minnesota Governor Democrat Tim Walls, reacting to the news yesterday.

[Tom Homan]

I'm certainly not going to spike the football, but you're not going to hear me express any gratitude for the people who caused this unnecessary, unwarranted and in many cases unconstitutional assault on our state in America. You cannot expect that the people are going to be okay with masked, unidentified people running you off the road and coming to your vehicle at gunpoint like we saw in St. Peter, Minnesota.

[Emily Jasinsky]

The Senate Homeland Security Committee yesterday holding back to back hearings focused on immigration enforcement in Minnesota. The first panel featuring Minnesota officials, including State Attorney General Keith Ellison. The second panel, including acting ICE Director Todd Lyons, Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott and more. Democrat Senator Alyssa Slotkin of Michigan, former CIA officer and participant in the controversial video urging service members to disregard hypothetical illegal order. Veering off topic, pressing Lyons on a Democratic claim that President Trump could deploy ICE agents to polling places.

[Senator Alyssa Slotkin]

If the president of the United States gets Kristi Noem on the phone and she gets you on the phone and she says, we've heard there's a problem in Georgia or in Michigan or somewhere else. I need you to go and, and physically deploy around polling locations, you will say no.

[Tom Homan]

There's no reason for us to play.

[Senator Alyssa Slotkin]

Well, you said then you should say no, right? It's not, it's not fantasy. It's not made up. These are things that the president and his cabinet have suggested. They've suggested invoking the Insurrection act, which would allow law, which would allow active duty military to do the very same thing. So this isn't, you know, someone who thinks the sky is falling. The President and his cabinet are suggesting. So you're going to be the guy standing in the breach for.

[Tom Homan]

There's no reason, I gotta say, ma', am, there's no reason to use ICE officers in that.

[Senator Alyssa Slotkin]

Great. Well, I hope that in the privacy of that meeting, when that comes down and the President feels like he's gonna lose the midterm elections, that you don't buckle, because I think our democracy literally is dependent on it.

[Emily Jasinsky]

But the most heated moments of the hearing coming during confrontations between Republican senators and Minnesota AG Ellison as lawmakers probed Minnesota's cooperation with. With federal immigration enforcement. Head of the committee, Senator Rand Paul, attempting to clarify how cooperation between Minnesota and ICE actually works.

[Senator Rand Paul]

So what happens right now, Mr. Ellison? Attorney General Ellison, if I'm from ICE and I call Minneapolis and I say, John Smith is wanted and will you help us? What happens? Is the local police force going to give them help or do they have to bring in all ICE agents to do it?

[Keith Ellison]

Certainly, targeted enforcement is not the problem, as has been said, but I think that's what.

[Senator Rand Paul]

What has been said of some of your policies and the interpretation is, is that they don't have to and won't cooperate with ice. A month ago, if. If ICE called the local Minneapolis police and said, we want to arrest this person, will the Minneapolis police help ICE to arrest a person?

[Keith Ellison]

I think so, yes.

[Senator Rand Paul]

Now, we're at a question of facts.

[Keith Ellison]

But see, Mr. Chairman, most people are.

[Senator Rand Paul]

Arguing that that's not true and that that's a reason for the surge. If it is true, then the local officials need to say they will.

[Emily Jasinsky]

AG Ellison, sidestepping the core question in this exchange with Senator Bernie Moreno of Ohio.

[Senator Bernie Moreno]

Do you think that people who are here in this country illegally, meaning they either entered illegally or overstayed a visa, should be deported? Yes. Simple yes or no.

[Keith Ellison]

If they have a pending asylum petition, I think it should be heard.

[Senator Bernie Moreno]

Just a quick question. If you enter the country illegally or you overstay a visa, should you be deported?

[Keith Ellison]

My simple answer is, sir, it depends.

[Senator Bernie Moreno]

Okay, so if somebody breaks into your home, should they be arrested for breaking, entering, or does it depend?

[Keith Ellison]

It's an entirely different scenario.

[Senator Bernie Moreno]

How's that?

[Keith Ellison]

Because immigration is essentially civil and breaking into my home is a criminal matter.

[Senator Bernie Moreno]

Oh, okay, Gotcha. So if there's. So there's laws that should be enforced, so we shouldn't Enforce civil. But violations.

[Keith Ellison]

We absolutely should enforce them.

[Senator Bernie Moreno]

But you just said that it's a civil matter. So it's different. So if somebody.

[Keith Ellison]

You enforce civil matters.

[Senator Bernie Moreno]

So if somebody commits a civil infraction, it shouldn't be enforced. It should be okay. So they should be deported.

[Keith Ellison]

No, they should have due process. That is associated with their petition.

[Emily Jasinsky]

Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri grilling Ellison for nearly seven minutes, accusing Ellison of enabling fraudsters in exchange for campaign donations.

[Senator Josh Hawley]

Are you the attorney general of the state of Minnesota? Yes or no?

[Keith Ellison]

You know the answer.

[Senator Josh Hawley]

Let's try another question. Are you familiar with the $9 billion in historic fraud out of your state, including the $250 million in the feeding Our Future program alone? You familiar with that? Don't turn to the pages in your book to get your potted answers. Are you familiar with it? Yes or no?

[Keith Ellison]

Yes, I am familiar with.

[Senator Josh Hawley]

Very familiar. Aren't you? Because the people who ran the Feeding Our Futures program came to you in your official office in the State Capitol of 12-11-20 and ask for your help in getting investigators off their backs.

[Keith Ellison]

So first of all, you're cherry picking quotes out of there.

[Senator Josh Hawley]

The why did you help?

[Keith Ellison]

I thought you were going to let me answer.

[Senator Josh Hawley]

Why did you take their money?

[Keith Ellison]

I didn't.

[Senator Josh Hawley]

You took $10,000.

[Keith Ellison]

That's a false statement.

[Senator Josh Hawley]

$10,000. Nine days after the meeting. So don't talk over me as early as 2019. It's my hearing, pal. As early as 2019.

[Keith Ellison]

Don't call me whistleblowers came.

[Senator Josh Hawley]

Well, I should call you prisoner because you ought to be in jail.

[Keith Ellison]

Well, see what you.

[Senator Josh Hawley]

2019.

[Emily Jasinsky]

Yikes. Coming up, still no sign of Nancy Guthrie as investigators widen the search and make a sweeping new request to the public. And what triggered the sudden El Paso airspace shutdown? New reporting points to a Pentagon anti drone laser.

[PureTalk Wireless Advertiser]

Relief factor loves hearing from pain free customers and they hope they can help you be one of them. Next, let me tell you about Bill and his relief factor story. Bill says, I've been crawling under sinks and working long hours for decades. My back and my knees took the punishment. I thought pain was just a part of the trade. But relief factor surprised me. Within weeks, he writes, I was working without wincing. I could get down on the floor and get back up again without thinking twice. End quote. Yes, Bill knows hard work. He knows pipes, tools and and long days on the job. What he didn't know is how good life can feel when pain stops. Tagging along relief factor did not change Bill's trade. It changed. Bill's future relief factor is 100% drug free and it targets the inflammation that causes pain so you can move better, feel better and enjoy life again. Tried the three week quick start for just 1995. Go to relieffactor.com or call 800 for relief. Let's see if you're next getting out of pain.

[Emily Jasinsky]

84 year old Nancy Guthrie remains missing as investigators in Tucson intensify their search for answers, expanding efforts across her neighborhood and beyond. The Pima County Sheriff's Department now urging residents to turn over any surveillance or doorbell footage showing vehicles, traffic, pedestrians or anything unusual between January 1st and February 2nd. MK True Crime host Phil Holloway reporting from Tucson tells us what investigators may be looking for.

[Phil Holloway]

What I draw from the request for video from specific dates and even the most recent one. I said, the sheriff just said give us everything you can find going back 30 days. I think they're following up on leads. They also might be checking to see what kind of delivery drivers have been in the area. It's not hard to find out what someone's Amazon purchase history is. For example, we saw that in the Coburger case. And so you know when a person might have been expecting a delivery. So you might be wanting to get a bead on just who was in and out of that driveway dropping things.

[Emily Jasinsky]

Off since arriving in Tucson. Holloway, speaking to several neighbors of Nancy's daughter Annie and son in law Tomasso. He tells us they have theories of their own.

[Phil Holloway]

The neighbors that I've spoke to were not closely acquainted with that family. They tended to say that, you know, they hadn't been there all that long. They didn't engage very socially with others in the neighborhood. And you know, they, they did express some specific opinions about the case and about the neighbors. And in fact, I think a lot of them believe that there is a direct connection between that house and the crime scene. But this is based on their personal observations and I guess their opinions based on those observations. But they are not surprised. The big takeaway is they are not surprised that the investigation is physically focusing more and more on that geographic location.

[Emily Jasinsky]

Megan will have much more on this case later today on the Megan Kelly Show. Anyone with information is urged to call 1-800- call FBI or submit [e-mail] new reporting shedding light on what actually triggered Wednesday's brief shutdown of airspace over El Paso, Texas. On Tuesday night, the FAA issuing a notice to Airmen or notam blocking flights in the airspace over El Paso and Nearby Santa Teresa, New Mexico from Wednesday through February 21, citing temporary flight restrictions for special security reasons. Within hours of issuing the 10 day ground stop, an unprecedented action quickly raising alarm, the FAA suddenly lifting the order. Secretary Duffy announcing the closure was caused by a cartel drone incursion, but the threat had been neutralized, according to the New York Times. The FAA ordered the abrupt closure after US Customs and Border Protection deployed a high energy laser weapon provided by the Pentagon without giving aviation officials enough time to assess the risks to commercial aircraft, the Times reporting Multiple people familiar with the situation say CBP officials believed they were firing at a cartel drone, but sources saying it turned out to be a party balloon. Fort Bliss near El Paso has for a long time been active in counter drone testing and operations, particularly along the southern border where cartel drone activity remains an ongoing concern. Pentagon and FAA officials planning to meet on February 20th to discuss the safety implications of deploying laser weapons near commercial flight paths, reports the Times, as Trump administration officials remain tight lipped in the fallout. Senate leaders now searching for answers Senators from Texas Republicans Ted Cruz and John Cornyn both publicly calling for a classified briefing from the FAA and Department of War. That'll do it for your AM Update. I'm Emily Jasinsky, host of Afterparty. Catch the Megyn Kelly show live on Sirius XM's the Megyn Kelly Channel 111 at noon east on YouTube.com Megyn Kelly and all podcast platform.

[Keith Ellison]

Know what your vehicle needs before it needs it. Visit your GMC Certified Service center and ask for a multi point vehicle inspection. Plus with the winter ready service event, get up to $210 in stackable rebates on batteries, brake pads and rotors, cabin and engine air filters and wiper blades at participating USGM dealers only. Max rebate derives from collective rebates on all eligible parts. Visit GMC.com ServiceOffers or see Dealer for full details. Offer INS 22826 multipoint vehicle inspections vary by participating dealer.