(WASHINGTON, DC)- The White House press briefing on Thursday, January 8, 2026, opened with Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt, who framed a deadly incident in Minnesota as part of what the administration describes as a broader national challenge facing federal law enforcement. Speaking from the White House press room, Leavitt said Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers are operating in an increasingly dangerous environment, citing sharp increases in assaults, vehicle-related attacks, and threats against agents.
Leavitt emphasized that the administration views immigration enforcement as central to public safety. She accused Democratic leaders of obstructing enforcement efforts and criticized calls to defund federal law enforcement agencies, stating such actions would not be permitted under the current administration.
She also announced an expanded federal response in Minnesota, including continued operations by the Department of Homeland Security to remove criminal undocumented immigrants and investigate alleged large-scale fraud in social service programs. Leavitt said thousands of federal agents have been activated, resources surged, and the number of federal prosecutors in Minneapolis doubled to pursue accountability for what the administration described as widespread misuse of taxpayer funds.
Vice President JD Vance then addressed reporters, expanding on the administration’s focus on fraud investigations. Speaking as a parent, Vance said federal benefit programs should prioritize American citizens and accused criminal networks of exploiting those systems. He detailed an interagency task force involving multiple departments, including the Department of Justice, which he said has already issued more than a thousand subpoenas and secured numerous indictments connected to alleged fraud, much of it centered in Minnesota.
Vance announced the creation of a new Assistant Attorney General position with nationwide jurisdiction over fraud investigations. Unlike a special counsel, he explained, the role would be presidentially appointed, Senate-confirmed, and embedded within the executive branch, which the administration argues strengthens its constitutional footing and effectiveness. While the initial focus will be Minnesota, Vance said similar investigations are expected to expand to other states.
A significant portion of the briefing focused on the Minnesota incident involving an ICE officer and a civilian. Vance strongly criticized media coverage, disputing headlines that characterized the event as an unprovoked killing. He said available video evidence shows the officer acting in self-defense after being struck by a vehicle, and he warned that what he called misleading reporting places law enforcement officers at further risk. While acknowledging the loss of life as tragic, he placed responsibility on what he described as a radical movement encouraging interference with federal operations.
Reporters pressed the vice president on whether his statements risk prejudging an ongoing investigation. Vance responded that federal authorities are continuing to review the incident but maintained that the officer was performing a lawful duty and is entitled to federal protections. He rejected calls for state-level prosecution, arguing that such efforts undermine federal authority and embolden hostility toward law enforcement.
The briefing also touched on broader issues, including immigration policy debates, political rhetoric, and the administration’s view that violent crime has declined due to stronger support for policing. Vance urged critics to challenge administration policies through elections and public debate rather than confrontation with officers on the ground.
The session concluded with renewed criticism of Minnesota’s Democratic leadership, including Governor Tim Walz, whom the vice president accused of either overlooking or enabling fraud within the state. Vance said forthcoming investigations will determine accountability, reiterating that the administration intends to pursue both immigration enforcement and fraud prosecutions aggressively.
The briefing took place amid ongoing political debate and media scrutiny, as the administration outlined plans to expand federal immigration enforcement and fraud investigations.
Source: White House Press Briefing
