At a Glance
- Joe Rogan compares ICE enforcement to Gestapo tactics on Jan. 13 podcast
- Nearly 75,000 ICE arrests under Trump had no criminal record
- Rogan endorsed Trump days before 2024 election
- Why it matters: Influential podcaster breaks with president he supported
Joe Rogan is publicly criticizing President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement methods, comparing ICE officers to the Gestapo – just months after endorsing Trump’s 2024 campaign.
The Jan. 13, 2025 episode of The Joe Rogan Experience features the host and Kentucky Senator Rand Paul discussing recent ICE operations. Rogan, whose show tops Spotify charts and reaches 20 million YouTube subscribers, questioned masked agents detaining people without clear documentation.
Rogan’s On-Air Criticism
“Are we really going to be the Gestapo? ‘Where’s your papers?’ Is that what we’ve come to?” Rogan asked during the three-hour conversation.
He told Paul that “most people” support arresting criminals but worry ICE is “operating illegally.” Rogan described:
- Militarized groups roaming streets
- Masked agents snatching civilians
- U.S. citizens shipped to wrong countries
- Residents asked for papers without cause
The podcaster emphasized that some detainees later prove to be American citizens lacking immediate identification.
Data Behind the Controversy
University of California, Berkeley’s Deportation Data Project obtained internal ICE figures showing:
| Metric | Number |
|---|---|
| Total ICE arrests (first 9 months) | ~225,000 |
| Arrests with no criminal record | 74,750 |
| Share of total arrests | 33% |
The records, released through ongoing litigation, do not separate minor infractions from violent crimes among those with prior convictions.
Viral Videos Fuel Outrage
Social-media footage has captured ICE agents:
- Detaining people in public spaces
- Wearing masks and tactical gear
- Using extreme force during stops
- Arresting documented residents and citizens
Recent deadly encounters include the Minneapolis shooting of Renee Good, intensifying scrutiny of the agency’s tactics.
Rogan’s Shifting Political Stance
Rogan’s relationship with Trump has evolved:
- 2022: Declined Trump’s podcast request, saying he was “not a Trump supporter in any way”
- Oct. 27, 2024: Hosted Trump for a nearly three-hour interview
- Nov. 2024: Endorsed Trump on X after Elon Musk’s appearance
“For the record, yes, that’s an endorsement of Trump. Enjoy the podcast,” Rogan wrote at the time.
Influence on Young Voters
Academic researchers identify Rogan as a key opinion-shaper for young male voters. His show routinely ranks No. 1 on Spotify, amplifying his political commentary ahead of elections.
ICE Under Fire
Critics across the political spectrum question whether the agency’s current operations respect constitutional protections. Reports of wrongful detentions continue to emerge as federal officers expand interior enforcement.
Key Takeaways
- Prominent Trump endorser now criticizes administration’s immigration strategy
- Data reveals one-third of recent ICE arrests involved no criminal history
- Rogan’s megaphone could sway public opinion on enforcement tactics
- Ongoing lawsuits seek further disclosure of ICE operational records
