POLITICS

Newsom Walks Back ICE 'Terrorism' Post After Podcast

PUBLISHED Jan 15, 2026, 11:19 PM ET

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Newsom Walks Back ICE 'Terrorism' Post After Podcast

Media Bias Meter

Sources: 11

Left 9%

Center 73%

Right 18%

Sources: 11

Sacramento, Governor Gavin Newsom hosted Ben Shapiro on his podcast Thursday, addressing criticism after his press office labeled an ICE-related fatal shooting STATE. SPONSORED. TERRORISM. Newsom told Shapiro he agrees ICE officers are not terrorists and said he does not support abolishing ICE while reaffirming California’s sanctuary policies and supporting immigration reform. The podcast recorded Jan. 15 also included questioning on transgender issues; clips were shared by both participants. The exchange follows national protests after the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent earlier this month. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

By Najma A. | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

An ICE agent fatally shot Renee Good at an anti-ICE demonstration (early January).
Newsom’s press office posted 'STATE. SPONSORED. TERRORISM.' following the shooting.
National protests and debate over ICE and official rhetoric erupted in response.
Gov. Newsom recorded and released a Jan. 15 podcast episode with Ben Shapiro.
On the podcast Newsom said ICE officers are not terrorists and opposed abolishing ICE.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 11
Right Leaning:: 2
Left Leaning:: 1
Neutral:: 8
Distribution:: Left 9%, Center 73%, Right 18%

Who Benefited

Political moderates and centrist leaders benefited from Newsom’s clarification, which reduced incendiary rhetoric, preserved federal cooperation options, and broadened his appeal to swing voters while allowing him to maintain core state policies.

Who Impacted

Progressive activists and critics who urged strong rhetoric against ICE experienced reputational pushback when Newsom publicly rejected labeling ICE officers as terrorists, prompting criticism from the left.