By Trendsetter Tribune 
Podcaster Joe Rogan expressed sympathy for Americans upset about the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration enforcement and questioned the use of militarized tactics that he says target nonviolent workers and U.S. citizens.
Podcaster Joe Rogan—one of the country’s most influential media figures—voiced public sympathy for Americans who are frustrated and angered by the Trump administration’s handling of immigration enforcement, particularly the increasingly visible use of federal law enforcement agents during large‑scale operations.
Rogan’s remarks came during a Tuesday episode of The Joe Rogan Experience while interviewing Sen. Rand Paul (R‑Ky.) and were widely shared online, underscoring ongoing public debate over immigration policy and enforcement tactics.
What Rogan Said
“You don’t want militarized people in the streets just roaming around, snatching up people — many of which turn out to be U.S. citizens that just don’t have their papers on them,” Rogan said, referring to scenes from recent immigration enforcement operations.
He went on to draw a stark comparison, asking:
“Are we really gonna be the Gestapo, ‘Where’s your papers?’ Is that what we’ve come to?”
Rogan’s use of the term reflects the visceral reaction many Americans have felt in response to highly visible immigration raids and the deployment of U.S. Border Patrol and other federal agents in residential neighborhoods, workplaces, and public spaces.
Why It Resonates Now
Rogan’s comments arrive amid heightened scrutiny of immigration enforcement tactics following the fatal shooting of 37‑year‑old Renee Good in Minneapolis by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer during a major federal operation in Minnesota.
Good’s death — which occurred as part of Operation Metro Surge, described by the Department of Homeland Security as the largest immigration enforcement action ever carried out in the state — has reignited controversy over federal authority and oversight.
The incident sparked widespread protests across Minnesota and beyond, with critics accusing federal agencies of overreach and excessive force, and some local leaders condemning the administration’s response.
Shifting Tone From a Trump Supporter
Rogan previously supported Trump’s campaign for president and interviewed him ahead of the 2024 election, a high‑profile endorsement that resonated with younger voters. However, his stance on specific immigration enforcement actions has shifted over time, reflecting a broader unease among some conservatives and independents who back strong borders but are critical of the methods being used.
Recent comments from Rogan echoed concerns that ICE and other federal agencies are targeting nonviolent workers, such as construction laborers and everyday immigrants, rather than focusing solely on violent criminals — a point that has been echoed in other public critiques.
Rogan himself framed the issue as more complicated than many political narratives allow, particularly in how enforcement impacts families and long‑term residents.
A Broader National Debate
Rogan’s critique taps into a wider debate over the scope and tactics of immigration policy enforcement under the Trump administration, which has included large coordinated operations and a high number of arrests across multiple states.
Critics argue that indiscriminate or overly aggressive tactics undermine civil liberties and erode public trust, while supporters maintain that firm enforcement is necessary to deter unauthorized immigration and uphold the law.
Conclusion — From Support to Scrutiny
Joe Rogan’s comments illustrate how immigration enforcement has emerged as a politically sensitive and divisive issue, even among figures who have previously aligned with President Trump. His portrayal of American enforcement as overly militarized reflects growing concern among some segments of the public about how immigration policy is being implemented — especially when federal operations intersect with everyday life.
As enforcement actions continue and national attention remains focused on cases like the Renee Good shooting in Minneapolis, immigration policy and tactics are likely to remain central to political debate going into the next election cycle.