Front Burner Can ICE be restrained?
47 snips
Jan 19, 2026 
Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, a Senior Fellow at the American Immigration Council, dives deep into the tense anti-ICE protests in Minneapolis following a controversial shooting. He discusses the dynamics of protest violence, the recent federal ruling that limits ICE's tactics, and the risks of military deployment. Reichlin-Melnick highlights the legal barriers to holding ICE accountable and explores the impact of state legislative efforts against federal operations. His insights shed light on the uncertain future of ICE's presence and actions in Minnesota and beyond.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Federal Force Has Escalated Protests
- Aaron Reichlin-Melnick observes federal agents have used more force than protesters in recent Minneapolis clashes.
- He warns militarized tactics and riot munitions have escalated tensions rather than calmed them.
Judge Challenged Government's Narrative
- A federal judge found government claims of violent threats in Minnesota protests to be untrue after reviewing evidence.
- Aaron says that judicial findings may limit agency narratives, though the government will likely appeal.
Expect Lawsuits If Military Is Deployed
- If the president deploys troops under the Insurrection Act, expect immediate lawsuits challenging the move.
- Legal challenges may follow but courts' outcomes are uncertain and take time.