The MeidasTouch Podcast
Episode: “All Hell Breaks Loose as ICE Goes After Meidas!!!”
Date: February 1, 2026
Hosts: Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas
Special Guest: Marnie Von Wilpert, San Diego City Councilwoman & Congressional Candidate
Episode Overview
This episode dives into alarming civil rights violations by ICE and Border Patrol agents under the Trump administration, specifically targeting observers, migrants, and even the MeidasTouch Network itself for exposing their actions. The conversation spans recent incidents of violent ICE conduct across Minnesota, California, Texas, and Utah, with hosts sharing eyewitness video clips and firsthand accounts. The episode culminates in a deep interview with San Diego City Councilwoman and congressional candidate Marnie Von Wilpert, who discusses local and national efforts to resist these abuses and restore American democratic values.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. ICE & Border Patrol Target MeidasTouch for Exposing Abuse
- Ben recounts how after the MeidasTouch Network posted video evidence of ICE violence against a U.S. citizen observer in Minnesota, ICE and DHS retaliated by attacking MeidasTouch publicly:
- “All hell is breaking loose as Donald Trump's ICE and Border Patrol Gestapo are now going after Midas Touch... We wrote on our account, ‘watch these thugs. This isn't law enforcement. These are criminals.’” — Ben (00:30)
- Department of Homeland Security (DHS) responded directly to MeidasTouch, alleging the observer was an agitator interfering with a "targeted operation"—claims the hosts analyze as routine propaganda and gaslighting.
- Ben challenges the DHS narrative:
- “You mean the First Amendment right to observe you. We all have that right under the constitution.” — Ben (05:17)
- “They lie the way bad second grade liars lie. Like it’s obvious. It’s juvenile in nature.” — Ben (06:11)
2. Eyewitness Accounts of ICE Violence Across the U.S.
Minnesota Incident
- Video Clip: A woman recording ICE agents is confronted, threatened, and forcefully pulled from her car while insisting on her right to document public conduct (02:16–03:50).
- Local officers had to intervene to prevent illegal arrest.
Los Angeles (El Monte, CA)
- Maria Sante, Legal Observer:
- Her car window was broken, and weapons were drawn on her for simply observing ICE conduct.
- “Guys, I’m a US Minist… This guy’s breaking my window.” — Maria Sante (07:59)
Midland, Texas (Roofers Arrest Incident)
- ICE targets nine migrant roofers on a residential construction site, with local fire and sheriff departments collaborating. Workers are pepper-sprayed and chased off roofs (10:03–11:05).
- Ben highlights hypocrisy:
- “These people should be applauded and be paid more, not ripped from the roofs.” — Ben (09:54)
Utah (Auto Body Shop Raid)
- Agents break in without warrants:
- Body shop owner and bystanders demand warrants, but agents say, “I don’t need one.” — ICE Agent (11:50)
- Agent admits breaking in: “You guys broke the window.” / “Yes, we did.” (12:53)
- Bystanders: “My lawyer is coming… you guys want to get—dude, what’s your badge number?” (12:04–13:06)
3. Culture & Celebrity Response
- National attention increases, with celebrities like Bruce Springsteen, Tom Morello, and Becky G. vocally opposing ICE tactics.
- Recent revelations about Trump administration figures and the Epstein files stoke public outrage.
4. Interview: Marnie Von Wilpert — City Councilmember & Congressional Candidate
[15:15–28:24]
Background:
- Marnie represents a historically red San Diego district and is running for Congress in California’s 48th. Previously a city attorney, labor attorney, and labor rights enforcer.
- Led policies on gun safety, labor rights, and due process protections.
On ICE & Community Pushback
- “We, too, have seen chaotic ICE raids here in San Diego where ICE officers walk into the middle of a crowded restaurant on a weekend with their full riot gear on. And of course, it causes havoc and panic and just so they can arrest the kitchen staff.” — Marnie (16:37)
- San Diego City Council preparing to join Minneapolis lawsuit against ICE and Trump.
- City passed a “due process ordinance” requiring judicial warrants for federal agents on city property.
On Public Safety and Values
- “Our communities are safe when we live up to our shared American values of respect for our neighbors and life and liberty and dignity and fairness under law [...] Not public safety. That is not law enforcement.” — Marnie (25:25)
- “I know how to take on big fights, and I’ll know how to hold Donald Trump accountable when I get to Congress.” — Marnie (25:41)
Gun Safety Leadership
- Passed California’s first ban on ghost guns after a local mass shooting:
- “I wrote the first law in the nation in California to ban it instantly. Then within 10 minutes, I got sued. I was sued by the NRA... we, we won. We beat the NRA.” — Marnie (20:25–21:38)
Personal Story & Motivation
- “I’m a young LGBTQ woman. I just got engaged... and we're fighting to make sure that we can still get married in this country... I’m fighting for our freedoms. I’m fighting to make America a place where equal protection and dignity mean something again.” — Marnie (27:45)
Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)
- “You mean the First Amendment right to observe you. We all have that right under the constitution.” — Ben (05:17)
- “They lie the way bad second grade liars lie. Like it’s obvious. It’s juvenile in nature.” — Ben (06:11)
- “Our communities are safe when we live up to our shared American values...” — Marnie Von Wilpert (25:25)
- “I’m sick and tired of Donald Trump and Darrell Issa dividing this nation. Everybody wants their children to be safe at school and sitting at their desks learning, not hiding under their desks from gunfire.” — Marnie (22:46)
- Body shop standoff:
- “Where’s your warrant?” — Concerned Bystander (11:40)
- “I don’t need one.” — ICE/Border Patrol Agent (11:50)
Segment Timestamps
- 00:30–06:11: MeidasTouch targeted by ICE/DHS after exposing abuse
- 02:16–03:50: Woman records, is assaulted/arrested by ICE in Minnesota
- 07:50–08:28: Maria Sante, legal observer, has window broken by ICE, El Monte
- 10:03–11:05: Midland, TX: ICE raids on migrant roofers
- 11:05–13:06: Utah: Auto shop owner/bystanders confront warrantless agents
- 15:15–28:24: Interview with Marnie Von Wilpert (San Diego, policy responses, personal story)
Tone & Language
- Unapologetically direct, urgent, and often outraged; language reflects deep frustration with current federal law enforcement abuses and political gaslighting.
- Strong support for constitutional rights, civil liberties, and grassroots activism.
Summary for New Listeners
This episode is a call to awareness and action regarding the growing, militarized abuses of ICE and Border Patrol in the Trump era. It offers both on-the-ground testimony and bold political analysis, as well as a hopeful turn to local leaders like Marnie Von Wilpert who are rallying communities and institutions in defense of democratic values, transparency, and constitutional rights.
For full access to recaps and exclusive content:
Visit midasplus.com (per the hosts’ sign-off).