Archive · 17 Jan 2026
Leavitt Defends ICE Amid Growing Criticism
During a press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt got into an argument with journalist Niall Stanage.
Stanage asked about ICE's conduct and the shooting of Renee Good, a US citizen, by an ICE agent.
Leavitt called Stanage a 'left-wing hack' and accused him of bias.
Meanwhile, podcaster Joe Rogan, a Trump supporter, compared ICE agents to the Gestapo, sparking a national debate.
Polls show that a majority of Americans, including 94% of Democrats and 64% of independents, condemn ICE's methods.
Even some Republicans are uncomfortable with the violent raids.
The Trump administration defends ICE, claiming agents have 'federal immunity' and are protected by 'absolute immunity'.
Legal experts and local officials have denounced these views.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt accused journalist Niall Stanage of being a 'left-wing hack' during a press briefing.
Stanage questioned Leavitt about ICE's conduct and the Minnesota shooting where an ICE agent killed Renee Good.
Podcaster Joe Rogan, a Trump supporter, compared ICE agents to the Gestapo, sparking a national debate.
Polls show that 57% of voters condemn ICE's methods, with 94% of Democrats and 64% of independents against them.
The Trump administration defends ICE, claiming agents have 'federal immunity' and are protected by 'absolute immunity'.
- Who
- Karoline Leavitt, Niall Stanage, Joe Rogan, and the American public
- What
- A debate on ICE's methods and the shooting of Renee Good
- When
- January 15, 2026
- Where
- White House and nationwide
- Why
- Growing criticism of ICE's violent raids and the comparison of agents to the Gestapo
Critics of ICE
Supporters of ICE
ICE Methods
Critics of ICE
Critics, including Joe Rogan and a majority of voters, condemn ICE's violent raids and the shooting of Renee Good, comparing agents to the Gestapo.
Supporters of ICE
Supporters, primarily Republicans, defend ICE's actions as law enforcement and blame Democrats for demeaning agents.
Abolishing ICE
Critics of ICE
46% of respondents in a poll support abolishing ICE, viewing its methods as authoritarian.
Supporters of ICE
84% of Republicans support ICE's methods and oppose abolishing the agency.
- Event
- White House press briefing and national debate on ICE methods
- Date
- January 15, 2026
- Participants
- Karoline Leavitt, Niall Stanage, Joe Rogan, Ben Burgis, Steven Schwinn
- Topic
- ICE conduct, Minnesota shooting, and public opinion
- Key Statement
- Leavitt accuses Stanage of bias; Rogan compares ICE to Gestapo
- Public Opinion
- 57% condemn ICE's methods; 46% support abolishing ICE
- ICE Protection
- ICE agents have 'federal immunity' according to senior Trump advisor
Sources
WATCH | Karoline Leavitt blasts journalist over ICE's killing of Renee Good, calls him 'left wing hack'
[9:07 am, 16/01/2026] Bhagyasree Sengupta: Sab charge mai lagaa dia [10:05 am, 16/01/2026] Bhagyasree Sengupta: WATCH | Karoline Leavitt blasts journalist over ICE's killing of Renee Good, calls him '
Who is Niall Stanage, the journalist Karoline Leavitt called a ‘left-wing hack’?
'You’re a left-wing activist’: Karoline Leavitt’s heated clash with reporter at White House goes viral
