Podcast Summary:

Verdict with Ted Cruz – BONUS POD: Woman Killed After Attempting to Ram ICE Officer
Date: January 8, 2026
Hosts: Ben Ferguson (senator Ted Cruz not present in this "Morning Update" format)
Theme: Dissecting the fatal police shooting of a woman in Minneapolis after she attempted to run over an ICE agent; political and cultural ramifications; the rise of “political vigilantism” and criticism of progressive reactions.

Episode Overview

This special update dissects the breaking news of a fatal encounter between ICE agents and a woman in Minneapolis who allegedly used her car as a weapon against law enforcement. Ben Ferguson leads listeners through the specifics of the incident, the national political reaction, the rhetoric surrounding ICE and law enforcement, and what he frames as the encouragement of “political vigilantism” by progressive leaders. The episode is a mix of reporting, commentary, ad hominem critique of Democratic officials, and advocacy for ICE under increasing attacks.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Incident Breakdown and Key Facts

• The Incident:

  • At 10:25 am local time, ICE officers were conducting lawful operations in Minneapolis. Due to snowy conditions, one vehicle got stuck. As officers attempted to free it, a group began harassing and blocking them, including a woman in a vehicle (later deceased).
  • ICE agents ordered her to exit the vehicle and stop obstructing their operation. She refused and then attempted to drive her car directly into an ICE agent.
  • The ICE agent, fearing for his life, fired through the front windshield, fatally shooting her.
  • Ferguson stresses the importance of the bullet’s trajectory as "proving" self-defense (03:00).

• Addressing Misinformation:

  • Ferguson notes early false claims online, specifically that the ICE agent shot through the passenger window, insisting the evidence proves otherwise (03:30).

• Pattern of Attacks:

  • According to Kristi Noem (speaking in her role via inserted statement), this was the fourth domestic terrorist attack on federal officers by vehicle that day, with over 100 such incidents in recent weeks and a “1,300% increase in assaults against ICE” (06:55–08:40).

2. Political and Cultural Context

• Blame on Progressive Rhetoric:

  • Ferguson and guest statements repeatedly blame left-wing leaders and activists, alleging they encourage violent resistance to ICE through language like “put your body on the line” (Peggy Flanagan, 21:07) and Governor Tim Walz calling ICE "the Gestapo" (17:45).
  • Ferguson: “What the left has done is ... told their followers that they can go out and just do whatever they want ... without any accountability.” (03:50)
  • The hosts see the woman’s action as “preventable” and a result of “anarchy … advocated and taught by the left” (03:55).

• Demonization of ICE:

  • Ferguson criticizes politicians and social media users for celebrating or excusing the woman's actions and calls out the increase in death threats (1,300% assaults, 8,000% death threats, 08:25).
  • Notable online quote cited: “All ICE agents must be put down like the dogs they are.” (14:31)

• Politicizing Loss of Life:

  • It's emphasized that both the loss of life is tragic and that conservative officials (e.g., Kristi Noem) urge prayers for everyone involved, including the deceased and her family (12:08).

3. Statements from Officials and Political Figures

• Kristi Noem (Secretary of Homeland Security) Statement:

  • Strong reaffirmation of self-defense, depiction of the event as “domestic terrorism” (05:40, repeated 10:38), and drawing connections between “sanctuary policies” and increased crime.
  • Quoted: “This appears as an attempt to kill or cause bodily harm to agents, an act of domestic terrorism.” (05:40)
  • Urges prayers for both the wounded ICE agent and the deceased’s family.

• Sen. J.D. Vance—Tweet:

  • Support for ICE and warning to “radicals”: “Congratulations. We’re going to work even harder to enforce the law.” (04:50)

• Sen. Mullen (Quote):

  • “ICE agents aren’t Disney villains ... They are red blood American patriots doing a tough job to keep our nation safe.” (12:30)

• Rep. Andy Barr:

  • Endorses ICE’s enforcement of immigration laws and says “targeting ICE agents will never end well for anyone who tries.” (12:45)

• Scott Jennings (CNN, quoted approvingly):

  • “It’s extremely sad and unfortunate that someone died ... we are undergoing an epidemic of political vigilantism right now.” (19:46)
  • “If you don’t like a law, you talk to politicians. You don’t drive your car into the middle of a law enforcement situation.” (20:34)

4. Criticism of Local Leadership

• Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey:

  • Explicitly quoted as telling ICE to “get the [expletive] out of Minneapolis” (16:10).
  • Ferguson: “This deranged lunatic of a mayor ... is inspiring other lunatics to try to murder those ICE agents” (16:20).
  • Ferguson denounces the mayor and other city officials for caring more about the perpetrator than crime victims, asserting that this rhetoric fuels attacks.

• Governor Tim Walz:

  • Accused of inflaming the situation by using inflammatory rhetoric and failing to prevent crime spikes (mention of homicides up 50%).

5. Political Vigilantism & National Trends

• Ferguson argues America is seeing a new “epidemic of political vigilantism,” encouraged by left-leaning politicians (19:50–21:10).
• The episode claims vehicle rammings against ICE agents have occurred hundreds of times recently, making their work more dangerous than ever.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Ben Ferguson:

  • “What the left has done is ... told their followers that they can go out and just do whatever they want ... without any accountability.” [03:50]
  • “Hundreds of ICE agents have been rammed by cars which are deadly weapons. Where do you think they learned to do this?” [12:15]

• Kristi Noem (Secretary of Homeland Security):

  • “Any loss of life is a tragedy. ... at 10:25 am Central Time ... a mob of agitators ... began blocking them in ... ICE agents repeatedly ordered her to get out ... she then proceeded to weaponize her vehicle ... an act of domestic terrorism.” [05:40]
  • “[The ICE officer] used his training to save his own life and that of his colleagues. ... Pray for him, but also for the deceased’s family and loved ones.” [08:35]

• Sen. J.D. Vance:

  • “I want every ICE officer to know that their president, vice-president, and the entire administration stands behind them ... we’re going to work even harder to enforce the law.” [04:50]

• Rep. Andy Barr:

  • “ICE agents are enforcing America's laws ... Targeting ICE agents will never end well for anyone who tries.” [12:45]

• Scott Jennings (CNN, via Ferguson):

  • “You don't want people to die in law enforcement situations or otherwise ... we are undergoing an epidemic of political vigilantism right now ... If you don’t like a law, you talk to politicians. You don’t drive your car into ... a law enforcement situation.” [19:46–20:34]

• Mayor Jacob Frey:

  • “Get the [expletive] out of Minneapolis.” [16:10]
  • “People are being hurt. Families are being ripped apart ... Long term ... residents ... are being terrorized ... and now somebody is dead. That’s on you ... and it’s on you to leave.” [16:42]

• Ferguson (closing):

  • “God bless our men and women who are willing to go do these jobs. They are getting more and more dangerous.” [16:30]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [03:00] Addressing misinformation about the shooting (bullet hole in windshield).
• [04:50] Sen. J.D. Vance statement of support for ICE.
• [05:40–09:41] Kristi Noem’s formal statement on the incident and national trend of violence against ICE.
• [12:02] Compassion for the victim’s family, noting background and the role of “weaponized” rhetoric.
• [13:55–15:00] Reading leftist social media reactions and further critique.
• [16:10] Mayor Jacob Frey’s explicit message to ICE.
• [17:45] Critique of political leaders’ rhetoric (Gestapo comparison).
• [19:46–21:10] Quoted commentary from Scott Jennings on “political vigilantism.”

Tone & Language Notes

• The episode is strongly partisan, blending factual reporting with overt political commentary.
• The hosts and quoted officials use direct, emotive language, repeatedly framing progressive leaders and rhetoric as directly responsible for rising attacks on ICE.
• The show presents the ICE officers consistently as brave law-enforcement professionals and the deceased as swept up in political “anarchy.”

Summary for Unfamiliar Listeners

This episode provides a detailed—and highly opinionated—account of a Minneapolis incident where an ICE agent shot and killed a woman who tried to run him over with her car. The show uses the event to highlight what it describes as a broader pattern of politically-motivated attacks against ICE officers, fueled by left-wing rhetoric and sanctuary city policies. Through official statements, political quotes, and social media reactions, the hosts argue that American law enforcement is increasingly under siege due to emboldened activists acting on the cues of Democratic politicians. The episode ultimately positions ICE agents and law enforcement as victims of a coordinated campaign of vilification and urges greater public support for them.