The Truth About the ICE Shooting in MN, and Dangers of Marijuana, with Dave Aronberg, Phil Holloway, Ashleigh Merchant, and Alex Berenson | Ep. 1226 - The Megyn Kelly Show Recap

Podcast: The Megyn Kelly Show

Published: 2026-01-08

Duration: 1 hr 42 min

Guests: Dave Aronberg, Phil Holloway, Ashleigh Merchant, Alex Berenson

Summary

The episode examines the legal and societal implications of a recent ICE shooting in Minneapolis and explores the potential dangers associated with modern cannabis use. Experts discuss the cases' legal complexities and the broader impact of cannabis on mental health and violence.

What Happened

Megyn Kelly provides an in-depth analysis of the ICE shooting in Minneapolis, focusing on the background of the involved ICE agent. This agent had previously faced another dangerous encounter in June 2025, where he was injured during an ICE arrest. The shooting occurred when Renee Nicole Goode, who was blocking traffic during an ICE investigation, allegedly accelerated her vehicle towards the agent, prompting him to fire.

Dave Aronberg, Phil Holloway, and Ashleigh Merchant join the discussion to unpack the legal ramifications of the shooting. They explore the complexities of applying the legal standard for police use of force, which hinges on the officer's perceived danger. The supremacy clause is highlighted as a potential shield against state prosecution for the federal officer, drawing parallels to past cases like Officer Amy Caprio's in Baltimore.

The conversation also critiques the reliability of eyewitness accounts and media representations, suggesting they might exacerbate tensions against ICE. The withdrawal of Nick Reiner's high-profile lawyer, Alan Jackson, from a related case is noted due to financial constraints, raising questions about the viability of an insanity defense based on Reiner's medication changes.

Alex Berenson shifts the focus to the dangers of modern cannabis, arguing that increased THC levels can lead to psychosis, especially in young people. He discusses how cannabis is marketed as a harmless medicine, which may mislead users about its potential for addiction and violence. Berenson links cannabis use to infamous cases of violence, suggesting a broader societal denial about its harms.

The episode explores the correlation between cannabis use and violent behavior, citing examples like Nicholas Cruz, the Parkland shooter, who was a heavy cannabis user. Berenson emphasizes that today's cannabis is far more potent than in the past, with THC levels significantly higher, potentially leading to increased incidents of psychosis-related violence.

The discussion concludes with insights into the broader implications of drug use, comparing the U.S.'s liberal cannabis policies to more conservative approaches in countries like France. The opioid epidemic is also touched upon, with references to the book 'Dope Sick' to illustrate how early exposure to drugs like Adderall can lead to long-term addiction.

Key Insights

• The legal standard for police use of force in the ICE shooting case in Minneapolis centers on the officer's perceived danger, with the supremacy clause potentially protecting the federal agent from state prosecution.
• Modern cannabis contains significantly higher THC levels than in the past, which can increase the risk of psychosis and violence, especially among young users.
• Eyewitness accounts and media portrayals may intensify public tensions against ICE, complicating legal proceedings and public perception.
• The book 'Dope Sick' highlights how early exposure to drugs like Adderall can contribute to long-term addiction, paralleling concerns about the opioid epidemic in the U.S.