The MeidasTouch Podcast

Episode: "All Hell Breaks Loose in Minnesota as Trump Invades"

Date: December 12, 2025
Hosts: Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas
Main Theme:
A harrowing, deeply reported discussion on escalating ICE and Border Patrol violence targeting the Somalian community in Minnesota under Trump’s orders. The episode centers on the unlawful detention and brutality suffered by Mubashir, a Somali American citizen, and documents both first-hand testimony and on-the-ground journalism exposing abuse and community resistance.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. ICE and Border Patrol Aggression in Minnesota (03:15)

• Opening Exposé: Ben Meiselas recounts an incident where ICE and Border Patrol, directed by Trump, violently targeted members of the Somalian community in Minnesota, including American citizens.
  • "All hell is breaking loose in Minnesota as Donald Trump has ordered his ICE and Border Patrol Gestapo to attack the Somalian community there..." (03:15, Ben)
• Story of Mubashir: Mubashir, a Somali American, was unlawfully tackled and thrown to the ground during his lunch break despite repeatedly showing his U.S. citizenship. ICE agents failed to verify his ID and left him in dangerous winter conditions after they realized he was a citizen.

2. Escalating Abuse and Racism (04:50, 07:18)

• Physical Assault and Chemical Weapons: Peaceful protests in response to ICE and Border Patrol’s tactics were met with pepper spray and threats; agents also attacked anyone filming their actions.
  • "They're spraying chemical weapons into the faces of some of the peaceful protesters... which is now under siege by this Trump invasion." (05:00, Ben)

3. Mubashir’s First-Hand Account (07:18)

• Heartfelt Testimony: Mubashir recounts his traumatic experience, highlighting the inhumane and racially targeted nature of his treatment by federal agents.
• Notable Quote:
  • "All I did was step outside as a Somali American. And I just got chased by a masked person. He didn't identify himself. He didn't say, ICE, stop. I felt like I was getting assaulted. I was getting kidnapped, and that's exactly what it was." (10:36, Mubashir)
  • He details denial of medical care and being forced to walk in frigid conditions after being released.

4. Journalists Targeted, Status Coup News Threatened (13:35–15:33)

• Exclusive Footage: Status Coup News, working with MeidasTouch, captured agents threatening journalists, deploying chemical sprays on the press, and running over protesters with vehicles.

  • "As ICE Gestapo agents threaten Status Coup news as they're bringing you exclusive footage... Here's what happens." (13:35, Ben)

• Notable Exchange:

  • "You go back, you're gonna get sprayed. I already told you one time. I tell you again, you're gonna get sprayed." (14:32, ICE Agent to Press)

5. Escalation Against Protesters; ICE Laughter After Harm (15:59)

• ICE Vehicles Running Over Residents: Journalist John Farina (Status Coup) films an ICE vehicle running over a local resident and agents laughing audibly.
  • "You'll see in this clip, an ICE vehicle running over a local resident and other agents can be heard audibly laughing as the resident hit the ground." (15:59, Ben)

6. Mayor Jacob Frey’s Response (18:57)

• Legal and Moral Clarity: Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey publicly condemns ICE’s actions as unconstitutional and racially discriminatory.
  • "You can't tackle somebody because they look Somali... and you can't then detain them for purposes of immigration when they're a complete legal American citizen." (19:12, Jacob Frey)
  • "You can't do that. You can't do that in Minneapolis. You can't do that anywhere in this country. Not because I'm a progressive liberal mayor or whatever. You can't do that because it's against the law." (20:09, Jacob Frey)

7. Call to Action and Supporting Independent Media (20:35)

• Ben and the brothers encourage support for Status Coup News and MeidasTouch, noting the importance of independent, on-the-ground reporting in exposing government abuses.
  • "Great work, Status Qu. Subscribe to their YouTube page as well. Subscribe to our YouTube page here." (20:35, Ben)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Ben Meiselas:
  • "All hell is breaking loose in Minnesota as Donald Trump has ordered his ICE and Border Patrol Gestapo to attack the Somalian community there..." (03:15)
• Mubashir:
  • "All I did was step outside as a Somali American. And I just got chased by a masked person... I felt like I was getting assaulted... I was getting kidnapped, and that's exactly what it was." (10:36)
  • "This shouldn't be happening to anyone. We shouldn't feel targeted just because we're Somalis, man. That's not right." (11:29)
• Status Coup - ICE-Agent to Press:
  • "You go back, you're gonna get sprayed. I already told you one time. I tell you again, you're gonna get sprayed." (14:32)
• Mayor Jacob Frey:
  • "You can't tackle somebody because they look Somali... and you can't then detain them for purposes of immigration when they're a complete legal American citizen." (19:12)
  • "You can't do that... because it's against the law." (20:09)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 03:15: Ben’s detailed recounting of targeted ICE attacks in Minnesota
• 07:18–11:43: Mubashir’s press conference and personal account
• 13:35–15:33: Status Coup News faces threats, shows exclusive footage
• 15:59–18:43: Journalist films ICE vehicle running over protester, agents laughing
• 18:57–20:35: Mayor Jacob Frey's legal condemnation
• 20:35–End: Call to action to support independent media and ongoing coverage

Episode Flow and Tone

• The episode blends urgent investigative reporting, authentic victim testimony, and passionate advocacy.
• The Meiselas brothers’ tone is indignant, sharply critical of the Trump administration’s abuses, and empathetic when elevating Mubashir’s voice and the affected community.
• A sense of alarm and moral clarity is sustained throughout, with a strong push for civic engagement and media support.

For Listeners

If you want a raw, detailed, and emotionally gripping look at recent authoritarian and racist abuses by ICE and Border Patrol in the U.S.—and the stories of those directly harmed—this episode is essential listening. It provides not only first-hand testimony and on-the-street reporting but also firm legal and ethical analysis from civic leaders. It’s a vivid documentation of democracy under siege—and of those fighting back.