'ICE in Minnesota: A Wake‑Up Call for Democracy'

Obama voiced sharp criticism of Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s actions in Minnesota, describing the agency’s conduct as “dangerous” and likening it to tactics seen only in authoritarian regimes.

• He highlighted the massive deployment of about 3,000 federal agents that swept through Minneapolis and St. Paul, pointing out the lack of clear guidelines or training.
• Videos showed agents using aggressive tactics, tear‑gassing crowds who were simply standing in place and not breaking any laws.
• Obama called attention to the deaths of protester Renee Good and Alex Pretti, arguing that these incidents should prompt a national conversation about core American values.

He praised the peaceful protests and the creative ways citizens warned each other—whistles, horns, recordings—to counter the agents’ presence.

“Such heroic resistance, even in subzero weather, gives hope for a future grounded in rule of law and decency.”

During the interview, Obama also addressed a recent racist video that surfaced on social media, noting how it has sparked a “clown show” of disrespect. He argued that most Americans find such behavior troubling and that it distracts from the real issues at hand.

Obama concluded by urging people to say “enough” and restore civility, noting that a shift in public discourse is already emerging.