Up First from NPR — Episode Summary

Episode Title: Minneapolis Protests, Immigration Enforcement Shootings, Running Venezuela
Date: January 9, 2026
Hosts: Steve Inskeep, Emi Martinez
Reporters/Guests: Meg Anderson, Sergio Martinez Beltran, Danielle Kurtzleben, John Sandwick

1. Overview of the Episode

This episode focuses on three major news stories:

• Protests in Minneapolis after an ICE agent shot and killed a woman
• A surge in shootings by federal immigration enforcement agencies nationwide
• The future of Venezuela under new U.S involvement following the ousting of President Maduro

The hosts and NPR correspondents break down the details, investigate the patterns behind recent law enforcement actions, and analyze U.S. foreign policy moves under President Trump.

2. Key Discussion Points & Insights

Minneapolis Protests after ICE Shooting

• Protests in Minneapolis entered their second day following the shooting of 37-year-old Renee Goode by ICE agent Jonathan Ross ([02:33], [04:15]).
• The federal government, via the FBI, has taken over the investigation, leaving state officials and Minnesota authorities without access ([04:15]).
• Tensions are high but the protests remain largely peaceful, with demonstrators undeterred by freezing rain and icy conditions ([03:17]).
• The victim, Renee Goode, is described by her mother as “the kindest person she’s ever known” and not involved in any “anti-government” activity; she was a mother of three and small business owner ([05:25]).

Surge in Immigration Enforcement Shootings

• Recent week saw two shootings:
  • Portland, OR: Agents shot two people during a traffic stop; information remains limited ([02:37]).
  • Minneapolis, MN: The shooting that sparked ongoing protests ([03:10]).
• Noted increase in shootings since Trump’s return to office last year. At least 14 shootings in ICE raids since then according to The Trace, a nonprofit focused on gun violence ([06:32]).
• ICE operations have grown more aggressive, including door-to-door searches for undocumented immigrants — described as “unusual” and “unsettling” ([06:32]).
• Critics argue agents are not trained for crowd control and deploying them in that role is creating a “toxic stew” ([08:12]).
• Shift in tactics seen as the direct cause of increased violence ([08:30]).

Federal Response & Perception

• Federal authorities, including Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary Christine Noem, are defending ICE's actions and doubling down on aggressive tactics ([09:00]).
• Victim Renee Goode was labeled as an “extremist” by some officials, a claim refuted by her family and friends ([05:08], [05:25]).
• Civil liberties organizations, like the ACLU of Minnesota, accuse the administration of enabling federal law enforcement to act “with impunity” ([07:39]).

U.S. Involvement in Venezuela

• U.S. oil executives are meeting with President Trump to discuss “the future of Venezuela" after U.S.-backed ousting of Nicolás Maduro ([09:43]).
• President Trump indicated in an interview with The New York Times that the United States would be "running Venezuela" for "much longer than expected" ([10:09]).
• Plans include U.S. oversight of Venezuelan oil sales, with proceeds distributed for the “benefit of the American and Venezuelan people” — though the specifics remain vague ([10:45]).
• Secretary of State Marco Rubio outlined three phases: stabilization, recovery (including civil society rebuilding), and transition ([11:12]).
• Trump has not ruled out sending ground troops, leaving the option open ([12:08]).
• There are ongoing, somewhat tense, interactions with Colombia, Venezuela’s neighbor, around the evolving situation ([12:21]).

3. Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On new ICE tactics:
  • John Sandwick, former ICE acting director:

    "Tasking the agents with being the front line on the crowd control, you're creating a toxic stew there." ([08:12])

• On frequency of ICE shootings:
  • Sergio Martinez Beltran:

    “There have been at least 14 shootings in ICE raids since Trump took office last year… The Trump administration has, you know, definitely ramped up its immigration crackdowns in a big way.” ([06:32])

• On protester resolve:
  • Protester Caitlyn English:

    “It’s been sad, but it’s also been uplifting because we understand what’s right and what’s wrong. Seeing community come together for this cause and uplift other places to be inspired, it’s amazing.” ([03:17])

• On the victim's reputation:
  • Meg Anderson:

    “[Her Pinterest page] is filled with the things of a normal human life, ideas for recipes and haircuts, plans for a garden and tips on parenting… and fun things to do with them in the summer.” ([05:25])

• On administration’s Venezuela plans:
  • President Trump (via NYT interview):

    “I would say [the U.S. will be in Venezuela] much longer than that… And we have to rebuild the country. And we will rebuild it in a very profitable way.” ([10:36]–[10:45])

  • Trump (on limits to power):

    “Yeah, there is one thing. My own morality, my own mind, it’s the only thing that can stop me.” ([12:21])

4. Important Timestamps

• 00:02 — Overview: Protests continue in Minneapolis after ICE-involved shooting
• 03:10 — Eyewitness accounts and protester reactions
• 04:15 — Release of shooter’s identity; federal takeover of shooting investigation
• 05:25 — Victim Renee Goode’s family and background
• 06:32 — Analysis: Rise in shootings by ICE agents since Trump’s return
• 08:12 — Ex-ICE director critiques misuse of ICE agents in crowd control
• 09:00 — White House defense and administration’s enforcement policies
• 09:43 — U.S. convenes oil execs for talks on "running" Venezuela
• 10:36–10:45 — Trump/NYT interview: U.S. plans for Venezuela, profitable rebuilding
• 12:08 — U.S.-Colombia diplomatic moves and Trump’s expansive view of his powers

5. Summary Flow

• The episode begins with heightened community tension in Minneapolis and a deep look at the protest movement, driven by a sense of injustice and frustration over federal investigative opacity.
• Reporting zooms out nationally, connecting recent and past lethal ICE operations to the Trump administration’s escalated enforcement and strategic shift, with experts warning these tactics are both unprecedented and hazardous.
• In international policy, the hosts detail the new ambiguous U.S. role in Venezuela, outlining the administration’s plans to control the oil sector and rebuild the country, and highlighting the ongoing uncertainty and risk of further escalation—both militarily and diplomatically.

For listeners:
This episode delivers dense, up-to-the-minute reporting on civil unrest at home and major policy pivots abroad, combining on-the-ground accounts with investigative and expert perspectives. It captures both the human and systemic stakes of fast-unfolding news on immigration enforcement and foreign intervention.