THE DAILY BLAST with Greg Sargent Trump Press Sec Erupts in Fury at Media over ICE as Polls Spiral Again
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Jan 16, 2026 
Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, a senior fellow at the American Immigration Council, joins the discussion on the intense fallout from a press clash involving White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt over ICE abuses. They explore public concerns about ICE's reputation and accountability, along with alarming polling data indicating a rise in disapproval of Trump’s immigration tactics. Reichlin-Melnick highlights the escalating dangers associated with ICE detention, forecasting a troubling future of intensified enforcement and lack of oversight.
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Press Fight Over ICE Killing
- A reporter asked Caroline Leavitt about deaths in ICE custody and the killing of Renee Good, prompting a heated exchange.
- Leavitt called the reporter a "left-wing hack" and accused the media of bias while defending ICE.
Detention Deaths Reach Record Levels
- Aaron Reichlin-Melnick says 2025 was the deadliest year for ICE detention driven by system expansion and poor standards.
- He warns 2026 is already on track to be worse after four deaths by January 15, 2026.
Public Opinion Turns Against ICE
- Polling shows public backlash: AP finds 61% disapprove of Trump's immigration handling after Renee Good's killing.
- CNN finds 56% view the shooting as inappropriate and 51% say ICE makes cities less safe.