Letters from an American January 22, 2026
73 snips
Jan 23, 2026 A rundown of violent ICE and CBP actions in Minnesota and the surge of public backlash. Coverage of legal and political fights over a secret ICE memo and claims of immunity. Discussion of federal prosecutions in Chicago and recent acquittals. Polling showing changes in presidential approval and media attacks on polls. Testimony and tensions around investigations into January 6th and DOJ methods.
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Widespread Public Backlash Against ICE
- A New York Times–Siena poll finds 63% of Americans disapprove of ICE's performance and 61% think agents have gone too far.
- Opposition crosses demographics, including 19% of Republicans and majorities of young voters and non-college voters.
Vance's Rapid Defense Then Retreat
- Heather Cox Richardson recounts Vice President J.D. Vance defending ICE agent Jonathan Ross immediately after the January 7 shooting.
- Vance later softened his language, admitting mistakes occur and denying earlier absolute-immunity claims.
Conservative Voices Condemn ICE Memo
- Right-leaning commentators also criticized ICE's secret memo as unconstitutional and a Fourth Amendment violation.
- The criticism widens the political consensus that ICE's tactics are legally and publicly problematic.