[Friday, January 23] US News Headlines from r/politics

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DAILY BRIEFING

By Dr. Headline, HeadlineSquare January 23, 2026

Executive Summary

• An ICE enforcement surge sparks a national crisis, with reports of warrantless home entries and child detentions leading to a general strike in Minnesota.
• President Trump announces a U.S. “armada” is heading toward Iran, increasing geopolitical tensions and global oil prices.
• Relations with key allies fray after President Trump’s remarks on NATO and Afghanistan draw sharp rebukes from UK and Canadian leaders.
• Special Counsel Jack Smith implicates Trump for Jan. 6; FBI Director Kash Patel reportedly purges agents involved in past Trump probes.
• A CDC adviser questions mandatory vaccinations as a U.S. measles outbreak worsens.

1. Domestic Crisis: ICE Enforcement Sparks National Upheaval

1.1. Legal and Constitutional Crisis: The “Warrantless Entry” Policy

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations are at the center of a profound legal crisis following revelations of a new enforcement doctrine. A reported internal memo asserts that ICE has the authority to forcibly enter private homes with only an administrative warrant, a practice sources say has been occurring since last summer [1]. Critics, including a former federal judge, have assailed the policy as a direct violation of the Fourth Amendment, summarizing the government’s stance as, “‘We want you arrested because we said so’” [2]. A Senate Democrat has warned that Americans should be “terrified” by the “secret ICE policy” [3]. While Vice President JD Vance has publicly stated that ICE officers no longer hold “absolute immunity,” the new policy is facing intense legal scrutiny. Adding to the controversy, reports allege the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) used foreign students’ personal writings and protest activities as justification for their arrests [4].

References:
[1] ‘The Fourth Amendment Literally Exists to Prevent This’: Memo Claims ICE Can Forcibly Enter Homes Without Judicial Warrants, https://www.commondreams.org/news/ice-search
[2] ‘We want you arrested because we said so’ – how ICE’s policy on raiding whatever homes it wants violates a basic constitutional right, according to a former federal judge, https://theconversation.com/we-want-you-arrested-because-we-said-so-how-ices-policy-on-raiding-whatever-homes-it-wants-violates-a-basic-constitutional-right-according-to-a-former-federal-judge-274164?utm_source=flipboard&utm_content=topic/civilrights
[3] Senate Democrat: Americans should be ‘terrified’ by ‘secret ICE policy’, https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5701655-blumenthal-trump-criticism-ice-internal-memo/
[4] D.H.S. Cited Foreign Students’ Writings and Protests Before Their Arrests, https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/22/us/politics/trump-rubio-student-speech.html?unlocked_article_code=1.GlA.fVhY.It4_r9UrLw3A&smid=url-share

1.2. Controversial Field Operations: Child Detentions and Misconduct

Aggressive ICE field operations are generating widespread public outrage, particularly over the detention of young children. In Minnesota, a 5-year-old boy, Liam Ramos, was taken by ICE and is being held with his father in a Texas facility; his family’s lawyer states they entered the U.S. legally to claim asylum, calling the arrest “inhumane and unacceptable” [1]. In response, an official identified as Bovino stated, “We are experts with children” [2]. Other incidents include federal agents detaining a 2-year-old girl despite a court order for her release, and Border Patrol detaining a 10-year-old girl from Spokane and her father, with both families also sent to Texas [3, 4].

The operations have been marred by serious allegations of misconduct. In Minnesota, ICE agents reportedly drew guns on an off-duty police officer during a raid where the target was already incarcerated [5]. An ICE agent was also reported telling a legal observer they were now “considered a domestic terrorist” and had been added to a “nice little database” [6]. These events come amid reports of rising death rates in ICE facilities and a pregnant woman allegedly bleeding for weeks without seeing a doctor [7, 8].

References:
[1] Lawyer disputes Vance claims about 5-year-old arrest by ICE, ‘inhumane and unacceptable’: A lawyer for the family of Liam Ramos said they had entered the U.S. through a port of entry and have been following the legal process of their asylum claim., https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/ice-in-minnesota/lawyer-vance-5-year-old-arrest-ice-columbia-heights/89-f5f5b915-c6d5-4512-a846-364b98b465cf
[2] Bovino on detained 5-year-old boy: ‘We are experts with children’, https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/5703353-bovino-border-patrol-ice-minneapolis/
[3] Agents detain and send 2-year-old girl and her father to Texas despite court order to release toddler, https://www.startribune.com/agents-detain-and-send-2-year-old-girl-and-her-father-to-texas-despite-court-order-to-release-toddler/601569252
[4] Border patrol detains 10-year-old Spokane girl and her dad, sends them to Texas detention center, https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2026/jan/22/border-patrol-detains-10-year-old-spokane-girl-and/
[5] ICE agents drew guns on off-duty officer in Minnesota, chief says, https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2026/01/20/immigration-agents-minnesota-police-officer/88268058007/
[6] ICE tells legal observer, ‘We have a nice little database, and now you’re considered a domestic terrorist’, https://reason.com/2026/01/23/ice-tells-legal-observer-we-have-a-nice-little-database-and-now-youre-considered-a-domestic-terrorist/
[7] People are dying in Trump’s squalid concentration camps | Deaths are occurring in ICE detention facilities at nearly 10 times the rate of the Biden years. It will likely get worse., https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/deaths-ice-detention-facilities-trump-20260122.html
[8] A pregnant mother in ICE detention says she’s bleeding — and hasn’t seen a doctor in weeks, https://19thnews.org/2026/01/pregnant-mother-ice-detention-medical-care/

1.3. Widespread Civil Disobedience and Jurisdictional Pushback

The ICE surge has catalyzed a massive and organized public backlash, particularly in Minnesota, which has become the “center of a political crisis” [1]. Thousands are participating in a general strike, urging residents to abstain from “no work, no school, no shopping” [2]. Protests have escalated to civil disobedience, with approximately 100 clergy members arrested for blocking a road at the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport [3].

Pushback is also coming from state and international bodies. Arizona’s Attorney General has suggested that state self-defense laws could be interpreted to allow residents to shoot masked ICE agents [4]. First Nations have issued a travel warning to their members about crossing the U.S. border due to ICE actions [5]. Despite the outcry, which President Trump has privately expressed frustration is causing him to lose control of his message, a Homeland Security official affirmed that operations “will not be deterred” [6, 7].

References:
[1] How Minnesota became the center of a political crisis, https://www.npr.org/2026/01/23/nx-s1-5678976/how-minnesota-became-the-center-of-a-political-crisis
[2] Minnesotans strike to protest ICE surge in state: ‘No work, no school, no shopping’, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/23/minnesota-economic-blackout-ice-protests
[3] 100 clergy arrested at airport protest as Minnesotans strike against ICE, https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2026/01/23/minnesota-general-strike-ice-protest/
[4] Arizona AG suggests state’s self-defense laws allow residents to shoot masked ICE agents, https://krcrtv.com/news/nation-world/arizona-ag-suggests-states-self-defense-laws-allow-residents-to-shoot-ice-agents-kris-mayes-minnesota-immigration-lethal-force
[5] A warning from First Nations on crossing U.S. border prompted by ICE actions, https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/article/a-warning-from-first-nations-on-crossing-us-border-prompted-by-ice-actions/
[6] Trump privately frustrated that he risks losing control of immigration message amid Minnesota chaos, https://www.cnn.com/2026/01/23/politics/minnesota-immigration-protests-trump-worries
[7] ‘We’re not going to be deterred’: Homeland Security provides update on MN immigration operations, https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/ice-in-minnesota/homeland-security-provides-update-to-minneapolis-immigration-operations/89-db2d7ca0-84f2-4bd1-9c3c-f7c59ba4eaea

2. Foreign Policy and Geopolitical Tensions

2.1. Escalation with Iran and Assertive Military Posturing

Geopolitical tensions have risen sharply after President Trump announced a U.S. “armada” is heading toward Iran, fueling fears of a potential military strike [1, 2]. The announcement had an immediate market effect, causing global oil prices to rise [3]. The move comes as human rights activists report the death toll in Iran’s internal protest crackdown has surpassed 5,000 [1]. In a related measure, the U.S. is expected to deport dozens of Iranians as a threat to the regime over the crackdown [4]. Separately, the administration is reportedly weighing a naval blockade to halt oil imports to Cuba [5].

References:
[1] Trump warns U.S. ‘armada’ heading to Iran; death toll in protest crackdown tops 5,000, activists say, https://www.nbcnews.com/world/iran/trump-armada-iran-death-toll-protest-crackdown-executions-rcna255547
[2] Donald Trump sends US armada towards Iran ‘just in case’, https://www.ft.com/content/04190ed3-7631-4c75-8d16-1dc3dc5ded6f?segmentid=c50c86e4-586b-23ea-1ac1-7601c9c2476f
[3] Oil prices rise on Trump’s Iran ‘armada’ comments and Kazakh outage, https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/oil-prices-rebound-after-trump-comments-armada-moving-iran-spur-supply-worries-2026-01-23/
[4] US expected to deport dozens of Iranians as Trump threatens regime over crackdown, https://www.cnn.com/2026/01/23/politics/trump-administration-deport-iranians
[5] Trump administration weighs naval blockade to halt Cuban oil imports, https://www.politico.com/news/2026/01/23/trump-administration-weighs-naval-blockade-to-halt-cuban-oil-imports-00744708

2.2. “Firestorm” with Allies Over NATO and Global Policy

U.S. relations with key allies are under severe strain. A “firestorm” erupted after President Trump remarked at Davos that NATO troops “‘stayed a little back’” in Afghanistan [1]. The UK’s Downing Street publicly stated Trump was “‘wrong’,” and Prime Minister Keir Starmer accused him of “‘diminishing’ UK’s war dead” [2]. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney “fired back” at the speech, a move that reportedly left “Team Trump” livid [3]. Tensions with Canada were further inflamed after President Trump rescinded the country’s invitation to a Gaza “Board of Peace,” a snub from what was called the “most prestigious Board of Leaders ever” [4]. The EU’s foreign policy chief stated relations with Washington have taken a “big blow” [5]. These events unfold as the U.S. has officially completed its withdrawal from the World Health Organization [6].

References:
[1] Trump sparks UK firestorm with remarks NATO troops ‘stayed a little back’ in Afghanistan, https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5703206-trump-nato-afghanistan-remarks-criticized/
[2] Starmer condemns Trump for ‘diminishing’ UK’s war dead over false claims on Afghanistan, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/donald-trump-afghanistan-nato-soldiers-b2906174.html
[3] Team Trump Is Livid After Canada’s Carney Calls Out U.S. Coercion, https://www.wsj.com/world/americas/canada-trump-mark-carney-davos-72f0ab78
[4] Trump snubs Canada by withdrawing country’s invite to join ‘most prestigious Board of Leaders ever’, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-snubs-canada-withdrawing-countrys-invite-join-most-prestigious-board-leaders-ever?intcmp=fb_fnc&utm_campaign=trueanthem&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook
[5] Relations with US have taken ‘big blow’, says EU foreign policy chief | European Union, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jan/22/eu-leaders-meet-in-brussels-to-discuss-new-reality-of-relations-with-us
[6] US officially leaves World Health Organization - BBC News, https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn9zznx8qdno.amp

3. The Executive Branch: Power, Policy, and Probes

3.1. Intensifying Legal and Institutional Scrutiny

The administration is facing escalating legal pressure and allegations of politicizing federal agencies. During contentious House testimony, Special Counsel Jack Smith called President Trump the “‘person most responsible’ for Jan. 6” and asserted he “broke the law” [1]. Concurrently, FBI Director Kash Patel has reportedly launched a “fresh purge” at the bureau, ousting senior agents who sources say were linked to prior investigations involving the President [2]. The DOJ’s Civil Rights Division is also being criticized for allegedly perverting its mission to prioritize “‘clicks and PR’” [3]. At DHS, concerns have been raised that Corey Lewandowski is running the department “behind the scenes” as the “alleged boyfriend” of Secretary Kristi Noem, prompting Rep. Jasmine Crockett to push for impeachment proceedings [4]. Attorney General Pam Bondi was also reportedly “cornered” with questions about a “Ghislaine Maxwell ‘cover-up’” during a prison visit [5].

References:
[1] Jack Smith calls Trump ‘person most responsible’ for Jan. 6, says he broke the law, https://www.nydailynews.com/2026/01/22/jack-smith-calls-trump-person-most-responsible-january-6-broke-law/
[2] Kash Patel Launches Fresh Purge at FBI Over Trump Probes, https://newrepublic.com/post/205609/kash-patel-purge-fbi-trump-probes?utm_sf_post_ref=658075751&utm_campaign=SF_TNR&utm_medium=social&utm_source=Bluesky&utm_sf_cserv_ref=did%3Aplc%3Ag6zrpwmibpkb6nkfweuns3mr
[3] ‘Clicks and PR’: The Perversion of the DOJ Civil Rights Division Under Trump, https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-features/doj-civil-rights-division-anti-ice-protesters-minnesota-1235503665/
[4] Kristi Noem’s Alleged Boyfriend Is Back to Run DHS Behind the Scenes | Corey Lewandowski, who was just supposed to be a temp, is still at the Department of Homeland Security., https://newrepublic.com/post/205613/corey-lewandowski-noem-homeland-security
[5] Pam Bondi Cornered Over Ghislaine Maxwell ‘Cover-Up’ at Texas Prison, https://www.thedailybeast.com/pam-bondi-cornered-over-ghislaine-maxwell-cover-up-at-texas-prison/

3.2. Administrative Actions and Controversial Rhetoric

The White House is pursuing several contentious administrative actions that are drawing legal and public fire. Following a directive from President Trump, historical exhibits detailing slavery at the President’s House in Philadelphia were removed, prompting the city to file a lawsuit against the administration [1]. The administration is also reportedly targeting 14 “blue states” with a sweeping federal funding review [2]. In communications, the White House was accused of posting a deepfake image of a crying, arrested ICE protester, leading one analyst to state it should be “presumptively disbelieved” [3]. President Trump has also publicly threatened pollsters following negative survey results, declared that people “will soon be prosecuted” in his “2020 election crusade,” and called protesters in Minnesota “agitators and insurrectionists” who should be jailed [4, 5].

References:
[1] Philadelphia Sues Over Trump’s Removal of Slavery Exhibits From George Washington’s Home, https://www.commondreams.org/news/trump-removes-slavery-monument-philly
[2] Trump administration targets 14 blue states with sweeping federal funding review, https://www.cnn.com/2026/01/22/politics/trump-federal-funding-democratic-states
[3] ‘Dark, Bizarre Stuff’: White House Posts Deepfake Image of Arrested ICE Protester Crying: “All of us are on full notice that this White House feels no compunction about concocting obvious lies, concedes nothing when its lies are exposed, and should be presumptively disbelieved in all matters.”, https://www.commondreams.org/news/white-house-deepfake-protester
[4] Trump threatens pollsters after New York Times survey shows sagging disapproval, https://www.politico.com/news/2026/01/22/trump-poll-nyt-approval-00740786
[5] Trump says “people will soon be prosecuted” as part of his 2020 election crusade, https://www.ms.now/rachel-maddow-show/maddowblog/trump-says-people-will-soon-be-prosecuted-as-part-of-his-2020-election-crusade

4. Domestic Policy: Health, Economy, and Society

4.1. Public Health in Crisis: Vaccine Science Questioned Amid Measles Outbreak

The foundations of U.S. public health policy are being challenged from within the government’s advisory structure. The chair of a national vaccine advisory panel for the CDC has publicly asserted that polio and other critical vaccinations should be optional, a move described as “rejecting decades of science” [1]. This comes as public health officials simultaneously warn the U.S. is “on the verge of losing its measles elimination status,” with the number of cases rising to 416 across multiple states [2]. In a separate health crisis, the CDC is reportedly seeking to block “’never use alone’” messaging, a key harm-reduction strategy used by overdose prevention groups [3].

References:
[1] Vaccine Panel Chair Says Polio and Other Shots Should Be Optional, Rejecting Decades of Science, https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/23/health/milhoan-vaccines-optional-polio.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share
[2] The US Is On The Verge Of Losing Its Measles Elimination Status, https://www.civilbeat.org/2026/01/the-us-is-on-the-verge-of-losing-its-measles-elimination-status/
[3] CDC seeks to block ‘never use alone’ messaging used by overdose prevention groups, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/23/trump-cdc-overdose-prevention-messaging

4.2. Economic and Technology Policy Developments

In economic and technology news, the deal to secure TikTok’s future operations in the U.S. has reportedly been finalized and closed [1]. On economic policy, the administration’s “war on Wall Street landlords” is reportedly raising concerns among economists that it could unintentionally increase rents [2]. In the technology sector, lobbying expenditures related to Artificial Intelligence “swallowed tech lobbying in 2025,” signaling a “coming war over AI regulation” [3]. That fight is already taking shape, as public figures like Paris Hilton are reportedly joining lawmakers like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to combat AI-generated pornography [4]. Meanwhile, President Trump has voiced opposition to a plan allowing 401(k) savings for home down payments [5].

References:
[1] The deal to secure TikTok’s future in the US has finally closed, https://edition.cnn.com/2026/01/22/tech/tiktok-us-deal-closes
[2] Trump’s war on Wall Street landlords could raise your rent, https://www.vox.com/politics/476101/trump-ban-institutional-investors-wall-street-corporate-single-family-homes
[3] America’s coming war over AI regulation, https://www.technologyreview.com/2026/01/23/1131559/americas-coming-war-over-ai-regulation/?utm_medium=tr_social&utm_source=reddit&utm_campaign=site_visitor.unpaid.engagement
[4] Paris Hilton joins AOC in fight against AI porn, https://www.axios.com/2026/01/22/paris-hilton-aoc-fight-ai-porn
[5] Trump opposes plan to use 401(k) savings for home down payments, https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2026/01/22/trump-rejects-401k-savings-home-down-payments-housing-costs/88308838007/?link_source=ta_first_comment&taid=69732aa14875ee000193c289&utm_campaign=trueanthem&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook

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