Ep. 2343 - UNHINGED: Top Democrats Label ICE The Enemy - The Ben Shapiro Show Recap

Podcast: The Ben Shapiro Show

Published: 2026-01-09

Duration: 1 hr 4 min

Guests: Chris Wright

Summary

The episode examines the backlash against ICE following a controversial shooting, delves into large-scale fraud investigations pursued by Republicans, and considers the potential for regime change in Iran.

What Happened

The episode begins with the intense political fallout following the shooting of Renee Goode, an anti-ICE activist, by a federal agent in Minnesota. Governor Tim Walls has criticized ICE's actions, even comparing them to the Gestapo, while authorizing the National Guard to support local law enforcement. The federal jurisdiction exercised by the FBI has blocked local investigations, sparking further controversy and protests led by groups like ICE Watch and Indivisible Twin Cities.

Minnesota has seen a steep rise in assaults and threats against ICE agents, with a 1,300% increase in assaults and an 8,000% increase in threats, prompting agents to wear masks for safety. The episode discusses widespread criticism from Democrats, including California Governor Gavin Newsom, who described the shooting as state-sponsored terrorism.

Ben Shapiro highlights the issue of fraud as a core problem in government spending, emphasizing an IRS report revealing $300 to $600 billion in fraud nationally. The Trump administration's response includes denaturalization and deportation for those involved in defrauding Americans, alongside new roles in the Department of Justice to focus on prosecuting fraud.

The episode also covers concerns about potential fraud in New York, with plans to spend $4.5 billion on childcare. Treasury Secretary Scott Besant is working on cutting down fraud in public assistance, and Minnesota DHS employees have been accused of creating fraudulent documentation.

Shapiro shifts focus to international affairs, where protests in Iran have led to an internet shutdown amidst fears of government violence. President Trump has issued warnings to Iran against harming protestors, indicating possible U.S. intervention.

Lastly, the episode touches on the U.S.-Venezuela energy deal, which aims to control Venezuelan oil sales and influence political reforms. Venezuelan oil, being more viscous, is beneficial for U.S. refineries, particularly in producing products like asphalt.

Key Insights

• Minnesota has experienced a dramatic increase in violence against ICE agents, with assaults rising by 1,300% and threats by 8,000%, leading agents to wear masks for protection.
• An IRS report has identified $300 to $600 billion in national fraud, prompting the Trump administration to pursue denaturalization and deportation for those involved in defrauding Americans.
• The U.S.-Venezuela energy deal is structured to control Venezuelan oil sales, with the oil's high viscosity being particularly beneficial for U.S. refineries in producing products like asphalt.
• Protests in Iran have resulted in an internet shutdown due to fears of government violence, with President Trump issuing warnings against harming protestors, indicating possible U.S. intervention.