Sean Hannity, a Fox News host, sparked discussions this week with remarks that showed an unanticipated deviation from the conventional conservative media’s steadfast backing of President Trump’s immigration control. Despite this, his TV show persisted in criticizing Democrats for their vehement anti-ICE stance.
During his radio broadcast on Monday, January 26, Hannity took listeners by surprise, expressing disapproval of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) strategies, particularly scrutinizing workplace raids. “Is ICE perfect? They’re not,” Hannity stated on The Sean Hannity Show. “Do I think that going into Home Depots and arresting people there is a good idea? I don’t.”
These comments represent a significant turn for a host who has consistently dismissed concerns about ICE’s excessive reach for years. This shift in tone comes amidst escalating tensions in Minneapolis, Minnesota, following the deadly shootings of two American citizens by federal immigration agents in January—a 37-year-old ICU nurse, Alex Pretti, and a 37-year-old mother, Renee Good.
However, Hannity’s weeknight TV show presented a contrasting message, targeting Democratic representatives who have ramped up their criticism of ICE operations. Hannity, who has been with Fox News since 1996 and launched his own primetime show in January 2009, specifically called out Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.
Democratic leaders, according to Hannity, are “betraying” essential American principles as threats against ICE officers have escalated. His commentary touched on the controversial issue of sanctuary cities, where local officials have resisted cooperation with federal immigration enforcement efforts.
Senator Lindsey Graham appeared on Hannity’s show on Tuesday evening to reinforce this point of view, providing a harsh evaluation of sanctuary policies. “You can never have law and order with sanctuary city policies,” stated Graham, revealing his collaboration with President Trump on legislation to abolish such policies nationwide.
The segment also discussed recently surfaced video footage appearing to depict Alex Pretti in a showdown with federal agents 11 days before his fatal shooting. The January 13 video captures a man, presumably Pretti, yelling at agents before being tackled—footage the administration has utilized to portray Pretti as antagonistic towards law enforcement.
The reporting underscored Democratic rhetoric that conservatives hold responsible for stirring up violence against federal agents. Governor Walz faced intense criticism in May 2025 when he labeled ICE as “Donald Trump’s modern-day Gestapo” during a speech at the University of Minnesota Law School’s graduation ceremony. The Department of Homeland Security countered that such language has led to a significant increase in attacks on ICE officers.
Even within the Democratic Party, some have started distancing themselves from such inflammatory language. Senator John Fetterman publicly denounced Nazi comparisons, arguing that they could incite violence.
Meanwhile, at the U.S. Conference of Mayors in Washington, D.C., Mayor Frey called for an end to what he labeled as ICE’s “unlawful tactics.”
Hannity’s comments on his radio show, which proposed a voluntary deportation program offering $2,000 to immigrants who self-report, caught the attention of MSNBC host Joe Scarborough. Scarborough noted his surprise at Hannity’s call for “a more responsible, reasonable way” to manage deportations, pointing out that the administration “didn’t start here.”
The diverging messages from Hannity reflect the complexity of the current political climate. The killing of Pretti has brought together unlikely critics, with even some Republicans calling for more thorough investigations and pro-gun advocates questioning why a legal gun owner was shot by federal agents.
Hannity’s TV show, also broadcast on over 675 radio stations in addition to Fox News, has evolved into a central stage for conservative commentary since President Trump’s return to office following his January 20, 2025, inauguration. According to his Fox News biography, Hannity’s “provocative style and free-wheeling, passionate commentary” have made him the longest-running current primetime host in cable news history.
Other conservative commentators have echoed Hannity’s critique of Democratic rhetoric. Conservative radio hosts Mark Levin and Dan Bongino have discussed similar themes on their respective shows, while Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and California Governor Gavin Newsom continue their dispute over state-level immigration enforcement.
The heated debate is expected to persist as the Senate and House vote on DHS funding. Democrats have voiced their concerns about DHS funding without ICE reforms, while Republicans caution that blocking the bill could lead to a partial government shutdown.
In Minneapolis, a makeshift memorial for Alex Pretti continues to expand at the intersection where he was shot. Despite weeks of protests and the Trump administration’s announcement of a reshuffling of its immigration operation in the city, there are no signs of the unrest subsiding.
