The Lincoln Project ICE's America: Obey or Else.
Jan 16, 2026
The podcast dives into how the U.S. is edging towards a police state, driven by ICE's intimidation tactics and surveillance technologies. It highlights the misuse of mass surveillance tools that undermine civil liberties and the alarming politicization of justice within the DOJ. The discussion exposes ICE's function as a weapon for political control rather than public safety, revealing the propaganda machinery aimed at stifling dissent. Listeners are encouraged to take local action against invasive surveillance practices, emphasizing the urgent need for accountability.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Federal Enforcement As Political Tool
- Rick Wilson argues ICE and DHS actions are politically driven to enforce Trump's will rather than public safety.
- He says the presence of federal agents in streets is meant to intimidate and create obedience.
Surveillance Panopticon Enables Intimidation
- Wilson warns commercial surveillance and data brokers have created a panopticon used without warrants.
- He links companies like Palantir, Clearview, and Flock to warrantless tracking and intimidation.
Photographed After Following ICE Vehicles
- Wilson recounts a Minneapolis couple who followed ICE vehicles and were later photographed and found home-blocked by ICE.
- He uses it to illustrate immediate, targeted intimidation from surveillance use.