During Monday night's episode of "Jimmy Kimmel Live," host Jimmy Kimmel became visibly emotional, breaking down in tears on two separate occasions while discussing the recent killings by ICE agents in Minneapolis. The late-night talk show host addressed the fatal shooting of ICU nurse Alex Pretti, which occurred just three weeks after ICE agents killed mother-of-three Renee Good in the same Minnesota city.
Kimmel's Emotional Monologue on Minneapolis Violence
At the beginning of his opening segment, Kimmel shared his weekend experience, stating, "I spent the weekend like probably a lot of you did, looking at my phone and just feeling shocked and sick at what's happening in Minneapolis." He described watching numerous disturbing videos showing "screaming people being torn from their families" and "Americans, people who were born in the United States being pulled out of their cars for the crime of having an accent or whatever."
The television personality went on to detail witnessing "children, small children, babies being tear-gassed, taken into custody, separated from their parents" in what he characterized as "just one atrocity after another."
Strong Criticism of ICE Actions
Kimmel offered harsh words for the immigration enforcement agency, calling them "this gang of poorly trained, shamefully led, mask-wearing goons." He emphasized, "And that is what they are: They're goons committing vile, heartless, and even criminal acts. It's sickening to watch, and it's frustrating to watch."
The host connected the Minneapolis incidents to broader political concerns, arguing that seeing "fellow Americans executed by ICE" should serve as a wake-up call for those who supported former President Donald Trump. He posed the question, "Is that the law and order that you voted for?" while appealing for "reasonable voices on the right" to demonstrate "courage and some common sense."
Personal Connection to Minneapolis Events
Kimmel revealed a personal connection to the situation, explaining that he and his wife have family members living in Minneapolis. "They're afraid to take their kids to school. They're afraid to go to work," he shared, adding his perspective on how the events might affect minority communities: "And I can only imagine how people who aren't white feel about this!"
The emotional toll was evident as Kimmel concluded this portion of his monologue with the sobering observation, "Every day is a nightmare now."
Social Media Reactions to Kimmel's Emotional Display
Viewers quickly noticed Kimmel's tearful moments, with several social media users commenting on his emotional response. One observer contrasted his current reaction with past behavior, noting, "Jimmy Kimmel crying about ICE in Minnesota vs Jimmy Kimmel lying and making jokes about Charlie Kirk being assassinated."
Another critic commented on the show's shifting tone, writing, "Jimmy Kimmel once again demonstrating that he isn't even pretending to host a comedy show, it's just yet another MSNBC therapy session where he cries more frequently than he tells jokes." This post appeared on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.
A different perspective emerged from another user who questioned the selective nature of Kimmel's empathy: "Jimmy Kimmel starts sobbing over ICE deporting illegal immigrants in Minneapolis. Where was the same sympathy for Laken Riley or Jocelyn Nungaray when they were murdered by illegals?" This comment referenced other high-profile cases involving victims of violence.
Context of the Minneapolis Incidents
The events that prompted Kimmel's emotional response involve two separate fatal encounters with ICE agents in Minneapolis within a three-week period. Alex Pretti, an intensive care unit nurse, was shot and killed on Saturday, following the earlier shooting death of Renee Good, a mother of three children. Both incidents occurred in the same city and involved enforcement actions by Immigration and Customs Enforcement personnel.
These events have sparked renewed debate about immigration enforcement practices, use of force by federal agents, and the broader political climate surrounding immigration policy in the United States. Kimmel's emotional monologue represents one of the most visible mainstream media responses to these specific incidents, highlighting how entertainment programming increasingly intersects with political and social commentary.
