The Megyn Kelly Show – AM Update 1/28/26

Episode: Homan Gets to Work in MN and Meets Walz, Inside the Funding of MN Activist Networks
Date: January 28, 2026
Host: Megyn Kelly

Overview

This episode centers on the escalating tensions in Minnesota following federal immigration enforcement crackdowns, focusing on the appointment of Tom Homan as the new point man to broker cooperation between state/local and federal authorities. Megyn Kelly investigates the standoff around “sanctuary city” policies, analyzes political responses after recent confrontations—including the fatal shooting of an anti-ICE activist—and offers an in-depth look at the funding and influence networks behind local resistance. The show also covers calls for the resignation of DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, President Trump’s campaign kickoff for the 2026 midterms, and controversy over ICE involvement in the upcoming Winter Olympics in Italy.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Tom Homan’s Arrival in Minnesota and Sanctuary City Tensions

• [00:43–07:07] After last weekend’s fatal shooting involving an anti-ICE agitator, Tom Homan (former acting ICE Director) is dispatched to Minnesota to negotiate renewed cooperation between state/local officials and federal operations.
  • The White House presents three demands for the reduction of federal agents: turnover of jailed/arrested illegal immigrants, and cooperation in apprehending fugitives—all of which conflict with current Minnesota sanctuary policies.
  • Former DHS acting Secretary Chad Wolf calls sending Homan "a stroke of genius" for his operational expertise and ability to communicate at a tactical level with local leadership.
    • "He's able to talk to them at a very, I think, different level than others..." – Chad Wolf [03:59]
  • Governor Tim Walz signals some hope but maintains a critical stance, describing DHS operations as "unorganized, untrained, dangerous force."
    • "The end of this is a sane policy on how you do immigration reform and stop an attack by the federal government." – Gov. Walz [06:24]

2. Official & Community Responses in Minneapolis

• [04:38–07:38]
  • Governor Walz claims in the press that Minnesota "honors all immigration detainers," but reporting disputes this, noting city/county jails still shield detainees from ICE.
  • Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey reaffirms the city will not enforce federal immigration laws.
    • "I also made it clear that Minneapolis does not and will not enforce federal immigration laws..." – Jacob Frey, via X [paraphrased, 04:38]
  • Tom Homan, after meetings:
    • "While we don't agree on everything, these meetings were a productive starting point..." – Tom Homan, via X [04:38]
  • Protesters escalate demands for the full withdrawal of federal agents.
    • "We want the 2,000 plus agents... out. We don't want SWAT seas." – Unnamed protester [07:38]

3. Growing Calls for DHS Secretary Kristi Noem’s Removal

• [07:56–09:15]
  • Senators Elizabeth Warren, Peter Welch, Mark Warner, and John Fetterman (along with GOP Senators Thom Tillis and Lisa Murkowski) urge Noem’s resignation or impeachment.
    • "She should resign. I mean, she is a real problem." – Alex Goldenberg [08:19]
    • "If certain members don't like these laws, changing them is literally their job." – DHS official response [09:01]
  • President Trump publicly backs Noem:
    • "No, I think she's doing a very good job. The border is totally secure." – Donald Trump [09:15]

4. Activist Tactics & Follow-The-Money Reporting

• [09:37–14:38]
  • Protesters in Minnesota use coordinated, rapid response tactics, aided by organized networks.
  • President Trump alleges anti-ICE protesters are "paid insurrectionists" rather than grassroots activists.
    • "These are paid insurrectionists, these are paid agitators." – Donald Trump [10:00]
  • Investigations point to American-born billionaire Neville Roy Singham as a primary funder, backing a “hub of communist and socialist nonprofit organizations working as key organizers,” notably via the People's Forum incubator.
    • "Singham sits at the center of a vast well funded influence network that blends progressive activism with Chinese Communist Party messaging..." – Megyn Kelly paraphrasing NYT report [11:30]
    • "...he is funding and exporting an authoritarian aligned ideology under the banner of American nonprofit legitimacy." – Alex Goldenberg [12:35]
  • House Oversight Committee subpoenas Singham over possible violations of the Foreign Agents Registration Act.
    • "I would argue probably worse than George Soros." – Rep. Anna Paulina Luna [13:58]

5. 2026 Midterm Election Kickoff: Trump in Iowa

• [16:47–19:42]
  • Trump launches the GOP midterm campaign, warning of dire consequences if Democrats or "that group, that ideology" win.
    • "You will be Venezuela on steroids... They will destroy our country." – Donald Trump [17:44]
  • Claims dramatic decreases in crime following federal intervention—even in largely Democratic cities.
    • "Crime has dropped by 78% [in Memphis] in the last two months. New Orleans... crime is down 54% in about three weeks." – Donald Trump [18:16]
  • Outlines new legislative priorities, highlighting efforts to restrict Wall Street from buying single-family homes and plans to redirect Obamacare subsidies directly to citizens.
    • "I want all that money that gets paid to the insurance companies to get paid directly to the people." – Donald Trump [19:05]

6. ICE Role in Upcoming Winter Olympics

• [19:42–22:08]
  • Italian officials respond angrily to reports of ICE agents at the Winter Olympics, with high-profile outcry against "militia" tactics.
    • "This is a militia that kills. ...They shouldn't come to Italy." – Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala [20:25]
  • DHS clarifies U.S. ICE agents will not enforce immigration law in Italy, but the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) branch will support vetting and security for U.S. athletes.
  • Chad Wolf explains HSI’s overseas, investigative role:
    • "HSI agents will be overseas at the Olympics providing mitigation, vetting risk against U.S. athletes and U.S. officials..." – Chad Wolf [21:13]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Chad Wolf on Homan’s Appointment:
  "It's a stroke of genius from the President sending Tom Homan in. He's got a very unique skill set. He's a 30 year operator both at Border Patrol and ICE..." [03:59]

• Governor Walz on the Federal Approach:
  "This is a unorganized, untrained, dangerous force on the streets that has nothing to do with either immigration or law enforcement." [06:24]

• Protesters’ Core Demand:
  "We want the 2,000 plus agents that are still here today occupying our communities... We want them out." [07:38]

• President Trump on Activist Networks:
  "These are paid insurrectionists, these are paid agitators." [10:00]

• Alex Goldenberg on Neville Roy Singham:
  "I really view it as infrastructure for a deeply un American campaign to destabilize the country from within." [12:35]

• Rep. Anna Paulina Luna on Influence Networks:
  "He is I would argue probably worse than George Soros. ...you'll see exactly where it's coming from and is simply benefiting the Communist Chinese Party." [13:58]

• President Trump on Policy and Crime:
  "We have brought down crime very substantially in Minnesota. ...Crime has dropped by 78% in the last two months [in Memphis]." [18:16]

Important Segment Timestamps

• Tom Homan’s Minnesota Mission & Policy Demands: [00:44–07:07]
• Official Claims & Sanctuary Policy Debate: [04:38–07:07]
• Community/Protester Response: [07:07–07:56]
• Pressure on DHS Sec. Kristi Noem: [07:56–09:15]
• Unpacking the Funding of Activist Networks: [09:37–14:38]
• Trump Midterm Launch & Crime Claims: [16:47–19:42]
• ICE & Winter Olympics Security: [19:42–22:08]

Summary Conclusion

With a focus on the political and social rifts in Minnesota over immigration enforcement, this episode provides a granular account of the clash between federal policy and local resistance. It offers listeners deep insights into the behind-the-scenes negotiations, the sources and strategies of activist organizing, and how these events fit into the broader struggle for political control ahead of the 2026 elections. The episode is rich with direct voices from key players, sharp political commentary, and reporting that connects local actions to national and even international trends.