On the “DeProgram” show with political cartoonist Ted Rall and CIA whistleblower John Kiriakou, we dissect the news with unflinching insight and a unique pair of journalistic backgrounds. Today we confront escalating tensions between ICE and city residents, the capture of a suspect and calls for retribution in the Charlie Kirk killing, and California's defiant stand against the federal government.
- ICE Kills Immigrant in Chicago: Federal ICE agents encounter Silverio Villegas-Gonzalez during a routine stop near Grand Avenue and Elder Lane in suburban Chicago, part of ICE's Operation Midway Blitz targeting undocumented individuals with criminal histories like reckless driving. Villegas-Gonzalez refuses commands, accelerates his vehicle, striking an officer and dragging him, prompting the agent to fire in self-defense, killing the driver while sustaining injuries himself. Community leaders decry the incident as a stark example of militarized enforcement endangering neighborhoods.
- Capture of Charlie Kirk's Alleged Shooter: Authorities apprehend 22-year-old Tyler Robinson from Washington City, Utah, accusing him of fatally shooting conservative influencer Charlie Kirk. Robinson, a high-achieving former student at Utah State University with no prior criminal record, emerges from a tight-knit Mormon family, his capture facilitated by relatives and a friend after he confesses or implies involvement. Discord messages, surveillance video, and family interviews reveal his recent anti-Kirk sentiments expressed at dinner. Investigators recover a Mauser 98 bolt-action rifle in .30-06 caliber from a wooded area, along with casings inscribed with taunting memes, antifascist references like "Bella Ciao," and gaming allusions such as Helldivers 2 airstrike codes, underscoring a politically motivated act prepared with practice.
- Trump Invades Memphis: The President plans to deploy federal law enforcement and the National Guard to Memphis, Tennessee, inspired by concerns raised by a FedEx board member about the city's crime rates. Despite Memphis Police reporting overall crime at a 25-year low, with murders and assaults declining, Trump extends similar rhetoric to New Orleans, vowing military involvement if needed, while the city's sanctuary status limits ICE cooperation. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee welcomes the support.
- California's Mask Ban for ICE Agents: Lawmakers advance legislation banning federal immigration agents from wearing masks like balaclavas during raids across California, alongside requirements for visible badges or name tags to safeguard public trust and democratic norms. Assemblymember Juan Carrillo frames the bill as essential to prevent "secret police" tactics in an authoritarian vein.