Full Breakdown
Whoopi Goldberg Walks Back Comments on ICE Agents Amid Controversy
1/13/2026, 12:37:10 AM
Context of the Controversy
Whoopi Goldberg, co-host of "The View," recently faced backlash for comments made during a discussion about the shooting of Renée Nicole Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent. Good was shot after allegedly swerving her vehicle towards the agent, an incident that has sparked protests and raised questions about ICE's accountability and use of force.
Goldberg's Initial Remarks
During the episode, Goldberg suggested that the violent criminals President Donald Trump claimed ICE would target might actually be within the agency itself. She stated, "Nobody wants this. This is not what you said they were going to be — this is the thing, you said you were going after the bad guys," implying a disconnect between Trump's promises and the actions of ICE agents. This remark was made in the context of discussing the lack of accountability following Good's death, which has been described by some as an unlawful killing.
Clarification and Walkback
Following a commercial break, Goldberg clarified her earlier comments, stating, "Before folks gather around and say, ‘Oh! She’s accusing all of the folks at ICE of being criminals!’ That is not what I’m doing." She emphasized that her concerns were about accountability within the agency rather than an accusation against all ICE agents. Co-host Sunny Hostin supported this view, highlighting the need for transparency regarding the nine shootings by ICE agents that have occurred without significant reporting or accountability.
Broader Implications and Reactions
The incident has reignited discussions around the role of ICE in law enforcement, with some co-hosts expressing that the public is increasingly calling for the abolishment of the agency. Hostin noted that the killing of Good was "unlawful," referencing Department of Justice policies against using deadly force on vehicles that are leaving the scene. Other co-hosts, including Alyssa Farah Griffin and Ana Navarro, criticized the perceived hypocrisy in justifying violent actions against unarmed individuals while supporting law enforcement's response to the January 6 Capitol riots.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of ICE and its practices have pointed to the agency's history of violence and lack of accountability as reasons for growing public dissent. The protests following Good's death reflect a broader frustration with perceived abuses of power and a demand for systemic change. Navarro articulated this sentiment, stating that Americans are "sick of the performative extreme cruelty" and are determined to channel their outrage into political action ahead of upcoming elections.
Official Statements & Responses
ICE has not publicly commented on Goldberg's remarks or the incident involving Good. However, the Department of Homeland Security, led by Secretary Kristi Noem, defended the actions of the ICE agent involved in the shooting, describing it as an act of self-defense.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Nobody wants this. This is not what you said they were going to be. This is the thing, you said you were going after the bad guy. Yes, that’s what you said, the violent criminals. Well, it turns out the violent criminals seem to be in the agency,” — Whoopi Goldberg, Co-host of "The View."
- “You’ve had nine shootings by ICE agents against various people,” — Sunny Hostin, Co-host of "The View."
- “It was against DOJ policy to shoot at a vehicle that is leaving the scene.” — Sunny Hostin, Co-host of "The View."
This incident highlights the ongoing debate surrounding ICE's role in law enforcement and the urgent calls for accountability and reform within the agency.
