Guests - Betsy Smith, Tom Horne
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Law Enforcement Appreciation Day: A Candid Discussion on ICE, Officer Safety, and Rising Threats
On a fitting Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, radio host Kathleen Winn welcomed Betsy Brantner Smith, spokesperson for the National Police Association, to discuss the escalating challenges facing America's law enforcement officers. The conversation quickly turned to high-profile incidents, political rhetoric, and the dangerous consequences of demonizing those who enforce immigration laws.
The Renee Nicole Good Incident and Political Exploitation
Winn and Smith addressed the death of Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old Minneapolis woman shot by an ICE agent after attempting to run him over during an operation. Good, part of an "ICE watch group" that actively disrupted federal immigration enforcement, was not simply a bystander, as some media portrayed her.
"She purposely put herself in the middle of this operation," Smith explained. Video evidence confirmed the shooting was justified, especially given the agent's prior injury—dragged by a fleeing illegal immigrant months earlier, requiring 40 stitches.
Yet political figures, including Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, and California Governor Gavin Newsom, condemned ICE actions. Healey demanded private airlines cease transporting detained immigrants, while Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey remained vocal amid protests.
"This is like God's little God wink to say, okay, law enforcement, don't listen to the crazies," Winn remarked, criticizing the selective outrage that ignores grieving families while inflaming tensions.
Smith clarified a common misconception: "ICE has jurisdiction over U.S. citizens if they're obstructing duties. That's not a liberal fantasy."
The operation itself stemmed from investigations into Somali taxpayer fraud in Minnesota—a connection often omitted from mainstream coverage.
Contrasting Cases: Luigi Mangione and Selective Moral Outrage
The discussion contrasted Good's case with that of Luigi Mangione, accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Mangione enjoys a fan base despite clear video evidence, while self-defense by law enforcement draws condemnation.
"It's videotaped. It's a very clear-cut murder case," Smith said of Mangione's actions. She noted his procedural challenges to the death penalty are standard, but the public support reveals deeper societal issues.
Winn highlighted the inconsistency: "We've normalized that it's okay to kill somebody because you don't like health care... conversely, ICE is doing their job, and this person aggressively attacking them is killed in self-defense."
2025 Law Enforcement Statistics: Fewer Deaths, But Rising Dangers
Despite fewer officer deaths in 2025—below 100 for the first time in decades, down from routine 200 losses years ago—the year was hardly safer.
87,000 officers assaulted
At least 325 shot
Officer ambushes increasing
Death threats against ICE agents up 8,000%
Assaults on ICE agents up 1,300%
Three officers already died in early 2026, including two run over by vehicles. "Vehicular assault is very common," Smith noted, challenging critics who ask why officers don't simply "jump out of the way."
Improved medical training, tourniquets, and trauma care reduced fatalities, but staffing shortages persist. Departments struggle to recruit amid demonization and generational work-ethic challenges.
"This constant demonization and lying about law enforcement is one of the many reasons we can't recruit cops," Brantner-Smith stated firmly.
Driver's Licenses, English Proficiency, and Federal Funding Consequences
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy withheld millions in federal highway funds from states issuing commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) to non-English speakers, citing safety risks.
California lost $160 million for refusing to revoke questionable licenses. Minnesota faces over $30 million in cuts under Governor Tim Walz.
Winn and Smith shared concerns from personal experience: "We see truck drivers who don't speak any English... on their phones, watching movies." Even the U.S. Postal Service struggles with non-English-speaking drivers.
Anti-ICE Rhetoric and Real-World Violence
A Washington Examiner headline captured the sentiment: "Democrat anti-ICE rhetoric is getting people killed."
In Portland, Border Patrol agents shot two Venezuelan gang members attempting to run them over during an arrest related to prostitution and prior shootings. Both suspects had entered under Biden-era policies.
"Anti-ICE rhetoric got Renee Good killed... and nearly got agents killed in Portland," Smith asserted.
Winn warned of selective outrage driven by politics, not principle: "They don't give a damn about little Renee Good... This is all about Donald Trump and America First."
Arizona Education Reform: An In-Depth Conversation with Superintendent Tom Horne
Later in the program, Winn shifted to education, welcoming Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne to discuss parental rights, court rulings, and ongoing battles over curriculum and school choice.
Landmark Court Ruling Upholds Parental Rights in Gender Identity Cases
Horne praised a state Court of Appeals decision allowing parents to sue public schools that conceal a child's gender identity transition from them.
"No one is as important to children as their parents," Horne emphasized. The ruling stemmed from a lawsuit against Mesa Public Schools, where staff facilitated a student's social transition without informing the mother.
President Trump's supporting executive order reinforced the principle. "Parents should imagine secretly changing their child's gender without knowing it—how outraged would you be?" Horne asked.
Eliminating DEI and Ideological Bias in Schools
Horne continues removing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) language from teaching standards, complying with federal directives.
Despite resistance—including an ASU professor caught admitting staff simply rebrand DEI—Horne forwards violations to federal authorities, threatening to withhold Arizona's $866 million in federal education funds.
"All people should be judged based on their character and ability, not race or ethnicity," Horne declared. "DEI divides people by ethnicity—it's racist."
He reflected on past successes banning ethnic studies in Tucson Unified, warning ideological capture risks national mediocrity.
Expanding Career and Technical Education (CTE)
Horne highlighted his initiative partnering 40 major Arizona companies to train skilled workers directly from high school.
"CEOs tell me their biggest problem is lack of skilled workers," he explained. The program teaches practical skills for well-paying jobs, acknowledging college isn't the only path.
Caller Lori Moore Raises Concerns About Curriculum and Classroom Oversight
Longtime listener and retired teacher Lori Moore called in, questioning how LGBTQ content and drag queen events entered schools despite lacking state standards.
Horne and Moore agreed classrooms should remain objective. "The job of the teacher is not to propagandize students," Horne stated.
Moore suggested unannounced observations; Horne stressed electing strong school boards in Arizona's local-control system while championing Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESAs) as a parental lifeline.
Defending ESAs and Enforcing Fiscal Responsibility
Horne defended the ESA program, now serving 97,000 students—up from 11,000—with the same staff size.
He instituted strict guidelines ensuring funds go only to valid, reasonably priced educational expenses, winning 17 administrative appeals.
Critics attack the controls, but Horne noted past abuses under prior administration—like requests for ski passes or luxury items—have ended.
Parental Rights and Consequences for Violations
Winn and Horne reaffirmed Arizona's Parents' Bill of Rights, prioritizing parents over school staff in directing upbringing and education.
Horne pledged severe sanctions, including certificate revocation, for staff concealing gender transitions or otherwise violating parental authority.
"Teachers lose their teaching certificates? They could, yes," Horne confirmed.
The wide-ranging discussion underscored ongoing cultural battles in law enforcement and education, with both guests emphasizing principle, safety, and parental authority over political expediency.