Nur-D On 'Brutal' ICE Detention, Tom Homan Isn’t as Nice as His Suits, and a New Opera episode artwork

EPISODE · Jan 30, 2026 · 48 MIN

Nur-D On 'Brutal' ICE Detention, Tom Homan Isn’t as Nice as His Suits, and a New Opera

from City Cast Twin Cities · host City Cast

With border czar Tom Homan now heading up ICE operations in the Twin Cities, many folks are positioning him as a more moderate voice than the previous leadership – but is that true? Host Sean McPherson is joined by contributor PaviElle French to dig into Homan's background, what he's been saying now, and why protests of ICE's occupation seem noticeably "whiter" than protests following the murder of George Floyd. Later, local rapper Nur-D joins the conversation to open up about his harrowing experience being tackled, tear-gassed, and detained by ICE last weekend when he was walking away with his hands in the air. We also hear from librettist, playwright, and television writer Harrison David Rivers about his new work that is premiering with the Minnesota Opera tomorrow.  Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode:  Tom Homan Is Supposed to Fix Trump’s Minnesota Crisis. His Record Raises Serious Questions. (Mother Jones) Tom Homan is coming to Minneapolis to lead ICE. Who is he? (Star Tribune) Border czar Tom Homan argues US justified in removing 'public safety threat' Abrego Garcia to El Salvador (ABC News) Video shows local rapper Nur-D being aggressively detained by federal agents (Bring Me The News) Full Video of Nur-D's Detainment - viewer discretion advised (Status Coup) My Name Is Florence (Minnesota Opera) Learn more about the sponsors of this January 30th episode: Ordway Center for the Performing Arts Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastTwinCities on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. You can also call or text us at 612-217-0637. For more Twin Cities news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Twin Cities. Looking to advertise on City Cast Twin Cities? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.

With border czar Tom Homan now heading up ICE operations in the Twin Cities, many folks are positioning him as a more moderate voice than the previous leadership – but is that true? Host Sean McPherson is joined by contributor PaviElle French to dig into Homan's background, what he's been saying now, and why protests of ICE's occupation seem noticeably "whiter" than protests following the murder of George Floyd. Later, local rapper Nur-D joins the conversation to open up about his harrowing experience being tackled, tear-gassed, and detained by ICE last weekend when he was walking away with his hands in the air. We also hear from librettist, playwright, and television writer Harrison David Rivers about his new work that is premiering with the Minnesota Opera tomorrow.  Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode:  Tom Homan Is Supposed to Fix Trump’s Minnesota Crisis. His Record Raises Serious Questions. (Mother Jones) Tom Homan is coming to Minneapolis to lead ICE. Who is he? (Star Tribune) Border czar Tom Homan argues US justified in removing 'public safety threat' Abrego Garcia to El Salvador (ABC News) Video shows local rapper Nur-D being aggressively detained by federal agents (Bring Me The News) Full Video of Nur-D's Detainment - viewer discretion advised (Status Coup) My Name Is Florence (Minnesota Opera) Learn more about the sponsors of this January 30th episode: Ordway Center for the Performing Arts Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastTwinCities on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. You can also call or text us at 612-217-0637. For more Twin Cities news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Twin Cities. Looking to advertise on City Cast Twin Cities? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.

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Nur-D On 'Brutal' ICE Detention, Tom Homan Isn’t as Nice as His Suits, and a New Opera

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This episode is 48 minutes long.

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This episode was published on January 30, 2026.

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With border czar Tom Homan now heading up ICE operations in the Twin Cities, many folks are positioning him as a more moderate voice than the previous leadership – but is that true? Host Sean McPherson is joined by contributor PaviElle French to dig...

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