The Briefing with Jen Psaki

Joaquin Castro, a Texas congressman who visited the Dilley detention center, shares heartbreaking scenes of detained children. Mark Warner, Virginia senator and Senate Intelligence vice chair, warns about threats to election integrity and politicization of federal agencies. They discuss the Georgia raid, ICE operations, detention conditions, and efforts to defend secure, fair elections.

Pete Buttigieg, former Transportation Secretary and ex-mayor, offers concise political perspective. He discusses accountability for Trump-era abuses and how cultural reactions to ICE and killings are spreading. He talks about protecting local elections and sustaining civic engagement. The conversation highlights rising public protests and shifting political pressures.

Jeh Johnson, former DHS secretary and attorney, offers expert critique of self-investigations. Alex Padilla, U.S. senator who toured a large detention center, recounts harsh conditions and pushes for oversight. Seth Moulton, congressman and ex-Marine, explains calls for accountability on the ground. Tina Smith, senator focused on Minnesota, outlines legislative strategies and constituent concerns. They discuss oversight, investigations, detention conditions, and funding leverage.

Andrew Weissmann, former DOJ official and FBI general counsel, and Mary Moriarty, Hennepin County Attorney who prosecutes homicides in Minneapolis, join the conversation. They unpack DOJ turmoil, alleged politicization of probes, state power to charge federal agents, and public outrage over aggressive ICE tactics. The discussion highlights legal battles and massive community protests.

Madeleine Dean, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives and the House Foreign Affairs Committee, sheds light on America's diplomatic relations during a chaotic Trump speech at the World Economic Forum. She discusses the reactions from Denmark and Greenland, emphasizing their concerns about trust and betrayal. Dean highlights the geopolitical implications of Trump's blunders, particularly his repeated mix-up of Greenland and Iceland. The conversation reveals how Trump's missteps impact international perception of the U.S.

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, known for his resistance against federal overreach, discusses protecting citizens from Trump's aggressive militarization. He emphasizes the need for accountability for Trump officials, highlighting Illinois' legal strategies and community mobilization. Maryland Governor Wes Moore adds insight into the responsibilities of state leaders in managing military deployments and ensuring service members act on lawful orders. Both leaders stress the crucial role of governors in upholding democracy in the face of federal actions.

Ilhan Omar, a U.S. Representative from Minnesota and advocate for civil rights, discusses the troubling climate in her state under Trump's immigration policies. She highlights the heavy presence of ICE agents, the emotional impact on families facing federal tactics, and the community's resilience. Omar also praises a recent court ruling limiting ICE's interference in documenting their actions. The conversation addresses the political motivations behind DOJ investigations into local officials and emphasizes the importance of peaceful protest and accountability.

Miles Taylor, former chief of staff at the Department of Homeland Security, analyzes Trump's potential invocation of the Insurrection Act, drawing from his experiences during Trump's first term. Elliott Payne, Minneapolis City Council President, vividly describes the disruptive impact of ICE operations on community safety and protest efforts. Together, they unveil the stark contrast between DHS claims and residents' experiences, revealing a chaotic and militarized approach that deepens unrest in Minneapolis.

Hakeem Jeffries, the U.S. House Democratic Leader, discusses the alarming implications of Donald Trump's actions against journalists and lawmakers. He highlights the recent FBI raid on a reporter's home, emphasizing the risks it poses to press freedom and accountability. Jeffries also advocates for legislative reforms to rein in ICE practices, pushing for transparency with body cameras and accountability measures. The conversation underscores the chilling effects of government actions on whistleblowers and the importance of preserving democratic values.

Guests Maxwell Alejandro Frost, a U.S. Representative and progressive organizer, and Stacey Young, a former DOJ veteran, discuss the public's outrage over the ICE shooting of a Minnesota mom. Frost emphasizes using budgetary tools to hold ICE accountable, while Young reveals the shocking refusal of the DOJ to investigate the incident, leading to significant resignations. They explore how viral videos of ICE abuses are shaping public opinion and the broader implications for civil rights and government accountability.