January 29, 2026: New Alex Pretti Video Footage, a Potential Government Shutdown, Updates in Minneapolis, an FBI Investigation Into Signal Chats, and More.

Welcome back to Unbiased Politics, your home for clear news and legal context. It’s Thursday, January twenty‑ninth, we’ve got a full slate, so let’s jump right in.

What did the DHS preliminary review say about the Alex Pretty shooting? Investigators say agents were on a targeted operation, used pepper spray after a roadway order was ignored, struggled with Pretty on the ground, an agent shouted that he had a gun, and seconds later two agents fired; the report doesn’t say he brandished the weapon, doesn’t detail shot counts or fatal rounds, and notes another agent had already secured Pretty’s gun.

What’s the status of the shooters? They’re on paid administrative leave, which CBP and DHS say is standard and not proof of misconduct.

Could DHS Secretary Nome be impeached? House Democrats filed three articles, leadership warned they’ll proceed if she isn’t removed, a few Republicans joined calls for her ouster, and the President defended her; impeachment needs only a House majority, but removal requires a two‑thirds Senate vote after a trial.

Who’s running the Minneapolis operation now? Commander Greg Bovino was pulled and Bordersar Tom Homan stepped in, saying he’ll pare down federal presence if local jails cooperate on notifications, and that the mission won’t stop but must be executed more carefully.

Does new video of Pretty change the legal picture? A mid‑January clip shows him confronting agents and damaging a tail light before being tackled, which the family’s attorney confirmed, but prior incidents don’t justify later deadly force unless the shooter knew of it and it informed a reasonable, immediate threat at the moment of the trigger pull.

Can the FBI investigate Signal group chats that track agents? They can open an inquiry if crimes are suspected, but they need probable cause and a warrant to access content; organizing and speech are protected unless they cross into criminal acts like obstructing federal officers.

Are we facing a shutdown and what happens to DHS? Funding runs out tomorrow night for several departments, Democrats blocked a package over DHS reforms, and even if DHS lapses, ICE and Border Patrol keep working as essential operations, with ICE buffered by separate enforcement funds.

What happened at Ilhan Omar’s town hall? A man approached and sprayed a substance later believed to be apple cider vinegar, he was arrested, Omar continued and said she’s fine, and while acquaintances described long‑standing hostility toward the Somali community, investigators haven’t confirmed a motive amid her ongoing public clash with the President.

What’s the update on five‑year‑old Liam Ramos and his father? A judge issued a temporary restraining order blocking removal while their asylum cases are pending, amid conflicting accounts of the arrest, and their lawyer says due process prevents deportation until claims are resolved; a visiting lawmaker said Liam is subdued and not eating well, but not in a medical emergency.

Anything quick we should know? The FBI seized 2020 election records from Fulton County’s elections office, Marker Rubio told senators there’s no plan for more U.S. military action in Venezuela as the transition unfolds unevenly, and the President launched Trump accounts for kids with banks and even Nicki Minaj pledging contributions ahead of a July fourth rollout.

Rumor check: Will ICE be at the Olympics? Yes, but it’s HSI in a security and vetting role supporting the host nation and State Department, not immigration enforcement in a foreign country.

Rumor check: Did Tom Homan get a top award from President Obama? He received the Presidential Rank Award for Distinguished Service in twenty fifteen for his work leading enforcement and removal operations.

Critical thinking: Can we judge career officials separately from the presidents they serve under, or is that a false split? And does media framing outweigh job facts when we form opinions, and how should we adjust for that? That’s it for today—thanks for listening, enjoy your weekend, and I’ll talk to you soon.