ABC World News Tonight with David Muir Full Broadcast - Jan. 29, 2026

Key Concepts

• Immigration Crackdown: Increased enforcement of immigration laws by the Trump administration, particularly in Minneapolis, leading to controversy over tactics.
• DHS Tactics: Questionable methods employed by Department of Homeland Security agents, including forceful entries into homes and clashes with protestors.
• Severe Weather: A widespread and deadly winter storm impacting a large portion of the United States, causing numerous fatalities and disruptions.
• Luigi Manion Case: Allegations of attempted jailbreak involving a suspect posing as an FBI agent, related to the CEO murder case.
• Georgia Election Audit: FBI seizure of ballots from the 2020 election in Fulton County, Georgia, sparking accusations of a politically motivated investigation.
• Government Shutdown Aversion: Negotiations in Congress to prevent a government shutdown, tied to demands for changes in immigration policies.
• ALS Awareness: Actor Patrick Dempsey’s discussion of his friend Eric Dayne’s battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
• America Strong: Segment highlighting acts of community resilience and rescue efforts during the severe weather.

Minneapolis Immigration Crackdown & DHS Scrutiny

The broadcast begins with breaking news from Minneapolis, focusing on the Trump administration’s intensified immigration enforcement. Border Patrol Chief Tom Holman, recently appointed by President Trump, announced a planned “draw down” of federal agents but vowed to “stay until the problem is gone,” echoing the President’s commitment. This follows the deaths of Renee Good, a mother of three, and Alex Prey, an ICU nurse, during encounters related to the crackdown. Holman stated, “We are not surrendering the president’s mission.”

Inside a cabinet meeting, Homeland Security Secretary Christy Gnome faced scrutiny, with some lawmakers on both sides calling for her resignation, and notably, was not directly addressed by President Trump.

ABC’s Matt Rivers reported from Minneapolis, detailing escalating tensions and questions surrounding DHS tactics. Agents have been observed forcibly entering homes, confronting US citizens, and clashing with protestors. Holman acknowledged “mistakes” and pledged to improve operations, aiming for safety and efficiency “by the book.”

New video surfaced showing Alex Prey confronting federal agents eleven days before his death, spitting towards an officer and damaging a vehicle. The Prey family was aware of the incident, and Prey sustained injuries but did not seek medical attention. A separate incident involved a US citizen being forcibly removed from her car while identifying herself as disabled, and a five-year-old boy, Liam Kane Ramos, being detained with his father in Texas. Congressman Hain Castro expressed concern over Liam’s well-being, describing him as “depressed,” “not eating well,” and longing for his mother and belongings.

Representative Ilhan Omar was reportedly sprayed with a substance from a syringe at a town hall, leading to the arrest of the suspect who claimed to have used vinegar. President Trump suggested Omar may have staged the incident herself. The Justice Department filed a federal assault charge against the suspect. Senator Tom Tillis (R) stated Gnome is “failing at every possible measure of the job.” A similar federal operation in Maine was also concluded following conversations with Secretary Gnome. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Fry expressed skepticism about Holman’s draw down plans, stating, “I’ll believe it when I see it.”

Severe Winter Storm & Rescue Efforts

The broadcast then shifted to a life-threatening cold snap impacting much of the US. Over 80 deaths have been linked to the storm, and a new nor'easter is expected to bring blizzard conditions to the East Coast. Lee Goldberg, WABC’s chief meteorologist, warned of sub-zero wind chills and potential snow totals of 6-12 inches, particularly in the Carolinas. He emphasized the risk of frostbite and urged caution.

Rannon Ally reported from the Hudson River in New York City, where Coast Guard icebreakers were working to maintain ferry service amidst rapidly forming ice. Stories of individual hardship were highlighted, including Luke Kdererman, who died rescuing his dog Bourbon from an icy pond, and Darien Williams, a stranded trucker awaiting rescue.

The “America Strong” segment showcased numerous rescue efforts. In Michigan, firefighters rescued Stella, an Australian Shepherd, from the Detroit River ice. In Missouri, a Marine Rescue Task Force saved a dog from a frozen pond. Most notably, Benji, a Bernadoodle, was found after 48 hours missing in Philadelphia, thanks to a thermal drone search and community effort. Benji’s parents expressed gratitude for the widespread support.

Other News Briefs

• Luigi Manion Jailbreak Attempt: A Minnesota man, Mark Anderson, was charged with impersonating an FBI agent and attempting to secure the release of Luigi Manion, accused of murdering United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson. He allegedly possessed a barbecue fork and pizza cutter.
• Virginia Double Murder Trial: Brendan Banfield, accused of killing his wife and another man, testified, claiming he returned home to find a stranger already inside. Prosecutors allege Banfield lured the victim to the house and committed the murders with the help of his affair partner.
• Georgia Election Investigation: The FBI seized 700 boxes of ballots from Fulton County, Georgia, related to the 2020 election. Georgia officials maintain the election was fair, while President Trump continues to dispute the results.
• Capitol Hill & Government Shutdown: Senate Democrats reached a short-term deal with Republicans to avert a government shutdown, contingent on addressing concerns about immigration tactics.
• Self-Driving Car Incident: A Whimo self-driving vehicle struck a child in Santa Monica, California, causing minor injuries.
• Patrick Dempsey & Eric Dayne: Actor Patrick Dempsey discussed his friend and Grey’s Anatomy co-star Eric Dayne’s battle with ALS, praising Dayne’s courage and positive attitude.
• Bob Woodruff Foundation Milestone: The Bob Woodruff Foundation celebrated its 20th anniversary and surpassed $189 million in fundraising for veterans.

Conclusion

The broadcast covered a range of urgent news stories, from the contentious immigration crackdown in Minneapolis and the resulting scrutiny of DHS tactics, to the devastating impact of a severe winter storm across the US. The report highlighted the human cost of both events, showcasing individual tragedies and acts of resilience. Other segments addressed legal proceedings, political maneuvering, and inspiring stories of community support. The overarching theme was one of crisis and response, emphasizing the challenges facing the nation and the efforts to overcome them.