The Rob Carson Show – Rep. Chip Roy Talks Minnesota

Newsmax Podcasts — January 26, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode centers on the escalating law enforcement operations against illegal immigration in Minnesota, the political dynamics between federal agencies and local officials, the fallout from a protester’s shooting by ICE agents, and broader national issues related to border security, government funding, and party politics. Rob Carson and his co-host blend political commentary with sharp-tongued humor, examining the narratives shaping the news cycle and featuring a detailed interview with Congressman Chip Roy (R-TX).

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Ongoing ICE Surge and Protester Shooting in Minnesota

• ICE Crackdown: Carson addresses intensive federal actions against illegal immigration in Minneapolis, sparked by a crackdown on alleged criminal illegal aliens. He notes the ongoing arrests and public concern over the timeline.
  • “We continue to apprehend dozens, if not hundreds of these criminal illegal aliens a day. We're going to continue conducting that mission...until there are no more of those criminal illegal aliens roaming the streets of Minneapolis.” [01:01–01:25]
• Alex Pretty Shooting: The hosts discuss the shooting death of Alex Pretty, an ICU nurse, at an ICE protest. They emphasize that Pretty brought a loaded handgun with extra magazines to the scene, arguing that his actions escalated the risk.
  • “Nobody says, you know, I'm going to go for a walk in a mediocre to bad neighborhood and I'm going to bring two magazines with me just to defend myself. There's a reason why somebody would bring a gun like that...and then of course get in the face of officers and then ultimately got himself shot.” [02:57–03:37]
• Progressive Organization: They report that Pretty was tied to activist networks coordinated by state legislators using encrypted messaging apps to track and counter ICE operations, suggesting deliberate resistance to federal law enforcement. [13:50–15:30]
• Criticism of the Left: Carson lampoons left-wing activists and Minnesota officials for allegedly enabling lawlessness, linking the unrest to high-profile local politicians. He wryly riffs on claims against him, commenting on accusations circulating online.
  • “I mean, I got this weekend I had the first time I've ever been called a Nazi in mass...there's more evidence that I'm an NBA player than I am a Nazi.” [05:44–06:29]

2. Political Fallout and Leadership Dynamics

• Trump and Minnesota: Carson reads former President Trump’s posts about sending Tom Homan, ex-ICE director, to Minnesota, presenting it as a firm response to left-leaning opposition and ongoing welfare fraud investigations.
  • “President Donald Trump sending borders. Our Tom Homan to Minnesota amid ongoing Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations which are being met by far left demonstrations.” [07:58–08:11]
• Letter from Pam Bondi: The episode satirizes a “strongly worded letter” sent to Minnesota’s governor, Tim Walz, suggesting it catalyzed a shift in Walz’s approach to working with the federal government. [08:52–10:55]
• Speculation on Insurrection Act: The hosts speculate whether federal pressure, including threats of legal action or use of the Insurrection Act, caused Governor Walz to cooperate more actively with federal authorities.
  • “Maybe it's, maybe it's the moment we've been waiting for because there has been the talk of, you know, the Insurrection Act. Maybe it was, hey, hey, we're going to send in the troops, man.” [11:53–12:29]

3. Broader Immigration and Law Enforcement Issues

• Legislative Involvement: Reports highlight legislators like Alex Falconer and Brad Tabke as organizers of anti-ICE networks, providing tools and coordination to monitor and interfere with ICE operations—raising questions about obstruction of justice.
  • “Falconer is currently serves as a Commerce and Education Policy committee. Whether state level officials are using their positions to incite dangerous conversations between citizens and law enforcement.” [14:28–15:08]
• Comment from ICE and Law Experts: Federal voices convey the position that resistance to law enforcement creates needless danger.
  • Greg Bovino (ICE): “When someone chooses to listen to a politician, a so called journalist, a community leader that spouted that type of vilification...when you choose to listen to that, that is a choice and there are consequences...” [18:26–18:59]
  • Kash Patel: “You cannot bring a firearm loaded with multiple magazines to any sort of protest that you want. It's that simple. You don't have that right to break the law and incite violence.” [19:03–19:24]

4. In-depth Interview: Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX)

On Minnesota, ICE, and Political Shifts

• Tom Homan's Role: Roy expresses support for deploying Homan, emphasizing expertise and restoring law and order. He signals hope that Walz’s stance indicates a political turning point.
  • “Tom knows how to do this and do it the right way. And the President recognizes this is a moment for leadership. You know, we've got to stand behind ICE...We're not going to retreat.” [22:53–23:27]
• Fraud and Distraction: Roy argues that the unrest in Minnesota is, in part, a distraction from large-scale welfare fraud revealed in the Somali community, tied to state and local leadership.
  • “Walls and Company up there, they know the gig is up and they want every distraction they can get to get away from people focusing...on the now well exposed billions of dollars of fraud to the Somali community and generally.” [25:30–25:56]

On Funding, Government Shutdowns, and Party Dynamics

• Democrats and ICE Funding: Roy decries Democratic attempts to defund federal law enforcement and urges the GOP to remain united in linking government funding to security, not yielding to splits that might imperil DHS.
  • “Democrats want to defund ICE and Border Patrol. I stand with ICE and Border Patrol. So I voted for the funding bill. We got to fund it, we got to stand with them...” [27:07–27:13]
• Shutting Down Government: Roy describes GOP strategies to force Democrats to take responsibility for shutdowns, vowing to use legislative leverage to ensure ICE and Homeland Security are funded.
  • “If they want to shut down all that stuff, then that's on them...But if they're going to shut down war, if they're going to shut down DHS, then they got to own it.” [27:55–28:13]

2026 Political Landscape and the Media

• Polling & Minority Voters: Carson cites high Democratic leader disapproval and a 23-point rightward shift among Hispanics (Emerson poll), seeing a sea change in voter sentiment.
  • “Emerson reporting Hispanics have shifted 23 points toward Republicans for the 2026 midterms versus years ago.” [30:40–30:48]
• Media & Voter Sentiment: Roy and Carson agree the mainstream media spins the news in favor of Democrats, but believe Americans are demanding law, order, and sensible leadership.
  • “Media is trying to spin up every single possible way...but the American people actually can see, wait, I want our streets to be safe. Wait a minute. Minneapolis is kind of a mess...they're thwarting law enforcement. They're actually encouraging it. And nobody thinks that's a good idea.” [31:10–31:50]

Foreign Policy: Iran and Venezuela

• Iran’s Regime: Roy advocates for “peace through strength” and praises strong deterrence against Iran’s nuclear program, while expressing solidarity with Iranian demonstrators.
  • “I think the President gave a fairly strong nudge when he dropped a bunker buster on their butt and made clear that they weren't going to be allowed to have nuclear weapons...I stand with the people of Iran who are going out on the streets and risking their lives for freedom and a better way of life. And God bless them.” [35:03–36:35]
• Venezuela/Maduro: Praises recent U.S. signals to Venezuela's regime as assertive, with positive regional repercussions. [35:23–35:35]

Personal & Lighter Moments

• Duck on the Dashboard: In a moment of levity, Chip Roy laughs about Jeep owners’ tradition of dashboard ducks, sharing his own connection to a local Oktoberfest duck in Texas. [36:53–37:28]

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• Rob Carson on Backlash to His Videos:

  • "I got this weekend I had the first time I've ever been called a Nazi in mass...there's more evidence that I'm an NBA player than I am a Nazi." [05:44–06:29]

• ICE Official’s Warning:

  • "When someone chooses to listen to a politician, a so called journalist, a community leader that spouted that type of vilification towards law enforcement...there are consequences and actions there also." — Greg Bovino [18:26–18:59]

• Chip Roy on Minnesota's Political Shift:

  • “Walls and Company up there, they know the gig is up and they want every distraction they can get to get away from people focusing...on the now well exposed billions of dollars of fraud to the Somali community and generally.” [25:30–25:56]

• Roy on Government Shutdown Strategy:

  • “If they want to shut down war, if they’re going to shut down DHS, then they got to own it. And we've got to stick that, you know, on their responsibility.” [28:13–28:22]

• Carson’s Optimism for 2026:

  • “I'm very optimistic. I think 2026 is going to be...one of the greatest years of our lives, to be quite honest.” [37:28–37:37]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• ICE Operations & Shooting Breakdown – 01:01–03:37
• Minneapolis Protester’s Background & Political Ties – 13:16–15:30
• ICE and Law Enforcement Voices – 18:26–19:31
• Chip Roy Interview: Minneapolis Politics/ICE – 22:53–25:56
• Funding, Shutdowns, Party Dynamics – 27:07–29:55
• Polling and Party Shifts – 30:10–31:50
• Iran & Foreign Policy – 34:43–36:39
• Personal: Jeep Ducks and Outlook for 2026 – 36:53–37:56

Episode Summary Takeaway

This high-energy episode offers a dense, satirical take on the ICE crackdown in Minnesota and its complex intersection with local politics, activist networks, and federal leadership. Rob Carson and Rep. Chip Roy blend policy critique with humor, emphasizing support for law enforcement, deriding political opponents’ conduct, and forecasting a dramatic shift in the American political climate as the 2026 midterms approach. For listeners tracking the convergence of immigration, law enforcement, and political narratives, this episode is packed with both substance and vivid, provocative commentary.