Story perspectives

Riley Gaines Praises ICE Amid Growing Controversy and Protests

1/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

Riley Gaines, a former collegiate swimmer and anti-transgender activist, praised ICE agents on a podcast despite controversy over actions including detaining a five-year-old boy.
She urged followers not to sympathize with ICE victims, arguing compassion hinders critical thinking.
Conservative dissent grows as a poll shows increased Republican support for abolishing ICE.
Protests against ICE intensify in Minneapolis and at Arizona State University, where organizations advocate for immigrant rights and safety.

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Story summary

Riley Gaines, a former collegiate swimmer and anti-transgender activist, praised ICE agents on a podcast despite controversy over actions including detaining a five-year-old boy.
She urged followers not to sympathize with ICE victims, arguing compassion hinders critical thinking.
Conservative dissent grows as a poll shows increased Republican support for abolishing ICE.
Protests against ICE intensify in Minneapolis and at Arizona State University, where organizations advocate for immigrant rights and safety.