Verdict with Ted Cruz
BONUS POD: DHS Arrests 10K Criminal Illegals in Minneapolis ALONE!
Host: Ben Ferguson (Premiere Networks)
Date: January 20, 2026
Episode Overview
This episode focuses on explosive new claims regarding immigration enforcement and corruption in Minneapolis. Senator Ted Cruz (episode co-host, though not featured in this bonus pod), Ben Ferguson, and relevant news clips discuss the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) recent arrests of over 10,000 "criminal illegal aliens" in Minneapolis, a sweeping $19 billion federal fraud probe, and ensuing media and local political reactions. The episode sharply criticizes mainstream media for allegedly downplaying or spinning these events, and lays out the conservative perspective on law enforcement, local governance, and media bias.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. DHS Arrests in Minneapolis (03:10–05:45)
- Announcement: Ben Ferguson details DHS Secretary Kristi Noem's revelation that federal authorities have arrested at least 10,000 "criminal illegal aliens" in Minneapolis.
- Details:
- 3,000 of these arrests reportedly happened in the last six weeks.
- Arrested individuals include “murderers, rapists, child sex offenders, and other violent criminals.”
- Ferguson's Criticism: Strongly claims that “the media doesn’t want you to know this story.”
2. Media Coverage, Fact Disputes, and the Kristi Noem vs. Margaret Brennan Exchange (05:45–08:17)
- Face the Nation Clip:
- CBS anchor Margaret Brennan challenges the statistics Kristi Noem presents regarding detained individuals’ criminal records.
- Noem insists “70% of the people that we have detained have charges against them or have been convicted of charges,” and accuses the media of lying and manipulating figures.
- Ferguson’s Commentary:
- Praises Noem: “You notice how quiet Brennan shut down because she knows that this is the actual number.”
- Asserts that mainstream outlets selectively dispute numbers to protect certain narratives.
Notable Quote
"70% of the people that we have detained have charges against them or have been convicted of charges and they need to be brought to justice. ... We're going to keep doing that no matter how much you guys keep lying and don't tell the public the truth."
— Kristi Noem, DHS Secretary (07:34)
3. DOJ Investigation into Minnesota Governor and Mayor (08:17–11:56)
- Federal Probe:
- DOJ is allegedly investigating Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Fry for possible obstruction/impediment of federal immigration enforcement.
- CNN clip reports on the political backlash to ICE activity and reactions to the recent shooting of a woman (Renee Goode) by an ICE agent.
- DOJ officials criticize state and city leaders’ comments and alleged encouragement of violence against law enforcement.
Notable Quote
“ICE operates in a bunch of different counties without incidents. ... What’s happening in Minnesota is an insurrection and it’s the direct result of a failed governor and an all-caps terrible mayor who he accused of encouraging violence against law enforcement.”
— Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche (10:15)
4. Missing Billions & Allegations of Widespread Fraud (11:56–14:21)
- Fraud Claims: Ferguson and Noem allege at least $19 billion in fraud centered in Minneapolis.
- Connection to Terrorism: Ferguson accuses local politicians of allowing money to be sent to terrorist groups like Al Shabaab.
- DHS Position: Homeland Security claims details are withheld to avoid tipping off suspects.
- Feeding Our Future Scandal: The episode ties current investigations to Minnesota’s long-running “Feeding Our Future” scandal, alleging $250 million in pandemic-era nutrition program fraud.
Notable Quote
“There is massive fraud in Minneapolis, at least $19 billion. And that's just the tip of the iceberg. Our Homeland Security investigators are on the ground in Minneapolis conducting wide-scale investigations to get justice for the American people who have been robbed blind.”
— Kristi Noem (13:55)
5. Civil Liberties & Federal Restrictions (14:21–16:45)
- Judicial Response:
- A federal judge restricts DHS arrests of “peaceful protesters” uninvolved in crime.
- Political Response:
- Walz’s office claims no prior notice of federal investigations.
- Fry frames the probe as intimidation for resisting federal actions in Minneapolis.
- Ferguson’s Take:
- Dismisses the “intimidation” claim.
- Insists Trump administration is “not backing down” and supporting aggressive law enforcement.
Memorable Moments & Additional Quotes
-
On Media Bias:
“You listen there to again the lies coming from CBS News. ... They try to say what she said is not accurate. And then when they're called out on it, you notice how quiet Brennan shut down because she knows that this is the actual number.”
— Ben Ferguson (08:17) -
On Political Accountability:
“We have arrested over 10,000 criminal illegal aliens who were killing Americans, hurting children and reigning terror in Minneapolis because Tim Walt (sic) Jacob Fry refused to protect their own people and instead protect criminals.”
— Kristi Noem (12:59) -
On Ongoing Investigations:
“One thing is for sure, the Trump administration is not backing down. ... That includes Kristi Noem, the FBI, and Cash Patel, and many others who are now going to hold those accountable in Minnesota for the crimes that they've committed.”
— Ben Ferguson (16:15)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- [03:10] – Story opener: 10,000+ illegal criminal alien arrests in Minneapolis
- [06:45] – Face the Nation exchange between Kristi Noem and Margaret Brennan
- [08:17] – Ferguson commentary on media coverage and facts
- [09:54] – DOJ probe into Minnesota officials
- [11:56] – Ferguson’s reaction to CNN coverage and overview of fraud probe
- [13:55] – Kristi Noem’s statement on fraud in Minneapolis
- [16:15] – Closing remarks on political and legal accountability
Episode Tone and Language
- Strongly partisan, direct, and adversarial toward mainstream media and progressive Minnesota officials.
- Repeated emphasis on law enforcement achievements, public safety concerns, and taxpayer victimization.
- Frequent claims that media, Democrats, and local officials are lying or withholding the truth.
Summary Takeaway
The episode paints a picture of Minneapolis as the epicenter of a crisis involving massive illegal activity, government corruption, media bias, and political stonewalling. Ben Ferguson repeatedly underscores DHS enforcement as a conservative victory and frames pushback from local officials and national media as deceptive and politically motivated. Throughout, listeners are urged to see federal action as justified and necessary, and to question “official” media narratives of recent events.