Late-Night Hosts Condemn Trump's ICE Raids and Mounting Republican Dissent
In a scathing series of monologues, prominent late-night television hosts have launched a fierce critique of the Trump administration's immigration enforcement tactics, focusing particularly on the controversial ICE operations in Minneapolis. Seth Meyers, Stephen Colbert, and Jimmy Kimmel each delivered pointed commentary on the escalating national backlash, internal Republican divisions, and the broader political chaos enveloping the White House.
Seth Meyers Highlights Backlash and Lowered ICE Standards
On Late Night, Seth Meyers addressed what he described as an "intense national backlash from both sides of the aisle" against President Trump's deployment of ICE agents in Minneapolis. Meyers argued that upon returning to power, Trump and his inner circle believed they could act with impunity, but have faced unexpected resistance.
The host specifically targeted Homeland Security Adviser Stephen Miller, alleging that Miller's demands for high deportation quotas have led to extreme measures, including raids on local businesses. "No one wants an ICE raid at a Home Depot," Meyers quipped, adding that the experience is "already bad enough" for customers without such interventions.
To meet these aggressive targets, Meyers claimed the administration has been lowering recruiting standards for ICE officers, often allowing candidates to begin training before proper vetting. This has reportedly resulted in the recruitment of individuals with criminal backgrounds, failed drug tests, or inadequate performance in written and fitness exams.
With ICE's approval rating plummeting to negative twenty-seven points, Meyers noted that many Republicans are now "changing their tune" on these tactics. He asserted that Trump is attempting to distance himself from the turmoil by removing Gregory Bovino as border patrol commander, a move Meyers characterised as "pulling back because they lost" after transforming peaceful neighbourhoods into conflict zones.
Stephen Colbert Mocks Administration's Internal Conflicts
Over on The Late Show, Stephen Colbert delved into the impact of ICE operations on Minneapolis residents, whom he described as "terrorised by Trump's goons". Colbert highlighted the widespread public outrage, with anti-ICE sentiment even permeating typically apolitical online spaces.
Colbert sharply criticised Homeland Security head Kristi Noem for labelling slain nurse Alex Pretti a "domestic terrorist" without evidence, a remark that has prompted calls for her resignation from within Republican ranks. Despite this, Trump has publicly praised Noem's performance, leading Colbert to sarcastically remark in character that there is "no one else I'd rather have everyone blame for my mindless cruelty".
The host further mocked the administration's internal blame-shifting, noting that Noem attempted to attribute her comments to Stephen Miller, while Miller himself referred to Pretti as an "assassin" based on information from Noem's own agency. Colbert wryly observed, "It's a real snake eating its own tail, which is how I believe Stephen Miller reproduces."
Colbert also referenced the recent attack on Minnesota congresswoman Ilhan Omar, quipping that the assailant's motivation "might have been Donald Trump, might have been Captain Morgan".
Jimmy Kimmel on Epstein Files and Celebrity Endorsements
Meanwhile, on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, the host turned his attention to the long-awaited release of Epstein files, accusing Trump's allies of attempting to obscure the president's connections. "These people have blatantly ignored the law for the past month," Kimmel declared, comparing the files to Melania Trump's documentary, which he joked "no one's ever gonna see".
Kimmel noted reports that Melania earned approximately twenty-eight million dollars for her Amazon documentary, leading him to quip that "between this and her marriage, she's probably the highest-paid actress in the world". He suggested the horror film title "Send Help" would have been more fitting for her project.
The host also covered Trump's launch party for "Trump Accounts", which featured celebrity attendees including Cheryl Hines, Kevin O'Leary, and rapper Nicki Minaj, whom Kimmel described as "one of the president's most unlikely fans". Noting Minaj was the sole Black woman present, Kimmel joked, "Where is Cardi B with a fistful of shoes when you need her?"
Kimmel highlighted Republican Senator Rand Paul's criticism of ICE violence in Minneapolis, remarking, "It's weird when you see him tell the truth. It's like when you see a muppet's legs." He also referenced Germany's travel advisory warning about the US due to Trump's policies, adding, "Now when Germany tells you your government is becoming too authoritarian..."
Collectively, these late-night segments underscore a deepening political crisis for the Trump administration, marked by internal strife, plummeting public support, and a growing chorus of dissent from unexpected quarters within the Republican Party.
