Fox News host Sean Hannity sparked debate this week with commentary that revealed an unexpected crack in conservative media’s typically unwavering support for President Trump’s immigration enforcement—even as his TV program continued hammering Democrats over their heated anti-ICE rhetoric.
On his Monday, January 26, radio broadcast, Hannity surprised listeners by criticizing Immigration and Customs Enforcement tactics, specifically questioning workplace raids. “Is ICE perfect? They’re not,” Hannity said on The Sean Hannity Show. “Do I think that going into Home Depots and arresting people there is a good idea? I don’t.”
The remarks marked a notable shift for a host who has spent years dismissing concerns about ICE overreach. The comments came as tensions in Minneapolis reached a fever pitch following the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens by federal immigration agents this month—37-year-old ICU nurse Alex Pretti on January 24 and 37-year-old mother Renee Good on January 7.
Yet on his weeknight television program at 9:00 PM EST, Hannity delivered a different message, taking aim at Democratic officials who have escalated their criticism of ICE operations. The host, who joined Fox News in 1996 as co-host of Hannity & Colmes before launching his solo primetime show in January 2009, focused particular attention on Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.
Hannity accused Democratic leaders of “betraying” basic American values as threats against ICE agents have spiraled. His commentary addressed the contentious issue of sanctuary cities, where local officials have resisted cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
Senator Lindsey Graham appeared on the program Tuesday to reinforce Hannity’s message, offering a stark assessment of sanctuary policies. “You can never have law and order with sanctuary city policies,” Graham declared, announcing he is working with President Trump on legislation to eliminate such policies nationwide.
The segment also addressed newly emerged video footage appearing to show Alex Pretti in a confrontation with federal agents eleven days before his fatal shooting. In the January 13 video, a man who appears to be Pretti is seen shouting at agents before being tackled to the ground—footage the administration has used to characterize Pretti as hostile to law enforcement.
Fox News legal analyst Gregg Jarrett provided legal context about sanctuary city policies, while Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent appeared to defend the administration’s immigration enforcement. Bessent questioned why Pretti was armed at a protest, telling ABC’s This Week that when he has attended protests, “I didn’t bring a gun. I brought a billboard.”
The coverage highlighted Democratic rhetoric that conservatives blame for inciting violence against federal agents. Governor Walz drew fierce condemnation last May when he called ICE “Donald Trump’s modern-day Gestapo” during a University of Minnesota Law School graduation speech. The Department of Homeland Security responded that such rhetoric has contributed to a dramatic surge in assaults against ICE officers.
Even some Democrats have begun distancing themselves from the most inflammatory language. Senator John Fetterman explicitly rejected Nazi comparisons in an appearance on Hannity’s program, declaring, “Do not compare anyone to Nazis. Don’t use that kind of rhetoric. That can incite violence.” Fetterman, notably, is the only Senate Democrat who has said he will vote against blocking DHS funding.
Mayor Frey was speaking at the U.S. Conference of Mayors in Washington, D.C. around the same time, urging an end to what he called ICE’s “unlawful tactics.” President Trump responded on Truth Social, warning that Frey is “playing with fire” by refusing to enforce federal immigration laws. The Minneapolis mayor shot back: “The job of our police is to keep people safe, not enforce fed immigration laws.”
Hannity’s radio show comments—which included floating a voluntary deportation program offering $2,000 payments to immigrants who self-report—drew attention from an unlikely source. MSNBC’s Joe Scarborough said he was “struck” by Hannity calling for “a more responsible, reasonable way” to handle deportations, noting the administration “didn’t start here.”
The dual message from Hannity—criticism of ICE tactics on radio, criticism of Democrats on television—reflects the complex political moment. Pretti’s killing has united unlikely critics, with even some Republicans calling for deeper investigations and gun-rights advocates questioning why a legal gun owner was shot by federal agents.
Hannity’s television program, broadcast across more than 675 radio stations in addition to Fox News, has become a central platform for conservative commentary since President Trump returned to office following his January 20, 2025 inauguration. Known for his “provocative style and free-wheeling, passionate commentary,” according to his Fox News biography, Hannity has achieved the distinction of being the longest-running current primetime host in cable news history.
Other conservative voices have echoed Hannity’s criticism of Democratic rhetoric. Mark Levin and Dan Bongino have addressed similar themes on their respective programs, while Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and California Governor Gavin Newsom continue to spar over state-level immigration enforcement. Newsom, meanwhile, has drawn criticism for comparing Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino to someone wearing “SS garb.”
The debate shows no signs of cooling as a Senate vote on DHS funding approaches. Nearly all Senate Democrats have pledged to vote against funding without ICE reforms, while Republicans warn that blocking the bill risks a partial government shutdown. The funding deadline is January 30.
Meanwhile, in Minneapolis, a makeshift memorial for Alex Pretti continues to grow at the intersection where he was killed. The protests that have roiled the city for weeks show no signs of ending, even as the Trump administration announced it would reshuffle its immigration operation there.
Representatives for Mayor Frey and Governor Walz did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Hannity’s characterizations of their positions.
Sources:
https://www.foxnews.com/media/graham-teases-trump-plan-end-sanctuary-city-policies-forever
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5708127-sean-hannity-immigration-enforcement-home-depot-trump-admin/
