Full Breakdown
Fox News Rejects Controversial Anti-ICE Ad Featuring Joe Rogan's Gestapo Comment
2/12/2026, 5:11:17 AM
Overview of the Controversy
Fox News Channel has declined to air a new advertisement from the Jewish Democratic Council of America (JDCA) that criticizes Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Trump administration. The ad, titled “It’s Gone Too Far,” features a clip of podcaster Joe Rogan comparing federal immigration agents to the Gestapo, amidst a backdrop of recent violent incidents involving federal agents in Minneapolis.
Key Details of the Advertisement
The JDCA's 30-second ad highlights the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, two individuals who died during protests in Minneapolis linked to ICE operations. The ad opens with a voiceover stating, “Federal agents are executing and terrorizing American citizens,” and includes Rogan's provocative question: “Are we really going to be the Gestapo? Where’s your papers? Is that what we’ve come to?” The ad calls on President Donald Trump to halt what it describes as an illegal immigration crackdown and to investigate the killings.
Media Response and Airing of the Ad
While the ad has been aired on CNN and MSNBC, including programs like “Morning Joe” and “AC360,” Fox News has not provided an explanation for its refusal to run the spot. JDCA CEO Halie Soifer expressed disappointment, noting that the organization had intended to air the ad during “Fox & Friends,” a program frequently watched by Trump. Soifer stated, “Jewish Americans have long rejected Trump’s extremism, but it’s now reached a tipping point for our community and our country.”
Criticism of the Decision
Soifer characterized Fox News's decision as part of a broader “chilling effect” on free speech under the Trump administration. The JDCA's campaign reflects polling indicating that approximately two-thirds of American voters believe immigration enforcement has crossed a line. The organization aims to mobilize voters ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.
Official Statements & Responses
In response to the controversy, a Fox News spokesperson declined to comment on the rejection of the ad. Meanwhile, Trump has dismissed Rogan's criticisms, stating they had a “great conversation” recently and expressing his belief that Rogan still supports him.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
There is a lack of clarity regarding the rationale behind Fox News's decision to reject the ad, as no official explanation has been provided. This absence of information raises questions about the network's editorial policies and its relationship with the Trump administration.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Federal agents are executing and terrorizing American citizens,” — JDCA Advertisement Voiceover
- “Are we really going to be the Gestapo? Where’s your papers? Is that what we’ve come to?” — Joe Rogan
- “Jewish Americans have long rejected Trump’s extremism, but it’s now reached a tipping point for our community and our country,” — Halie Soifer, JDCA CEO
The JDCA's advertisement and Fox News's refusal to air it highlight the ongoing tensions surrounding immigration policy and media representation in the United States, particularly in the context of the upcoming elections.
