URGENT UPDATE: A shocking segment aired on CNN’s “The Lead with Jake Tapper” on October 20, 2023, where guest Jamie Schwesnedl suggested that agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) might soon start “putting people in ovens.” This incendiary statement came during a conversation regarding the controversial use of Fort Snelling, a decommissioned military base in Minnesota, in the context of immigration detention.
In a bold and alarming assertion, Schwesnedl, a co-owner of a Minnesota bookstore, made chilling comparisons between ICE practices and historical concentration camps, specifically referencing both Fort Snelling and a Florida-based detention center nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz.” The discussion, which sparked immediate backlash, highlighted the tensions surrounding U.S. immigration policies.
As the segment unfolded, Tapper attempted to distance himself from Schwesnedl’s rhetoric, expressing discomfort with the term “concentration camp.” However, he allowed Schwesnedl to continue for over 20 seconds without interruption, raising questions about the host’s true stance on the statements made.
Schwesnedl’s comments echoed a growing sentiment among certain factions who feel that current immigration enforcement measures are crossing a dangerous line. He stated, “Not saying they’re Dachau… but, these are concentration camps,” igniting a firestorm of reactions on social media platforms.
This incident comes amid increased scrutiny of ICE and its operations, especially following reports that Secretary of War Pete Hegseth approved the agency’s request for space at Fort Snelling. The location is historically significant, having once played a role in the Dred Scott case, which addressed slavery and civil rights in the 19th century. Critics argue that using such a site for detention purposes could evoke painful historical memories.
The backlash was immediate, with Twitter users expressing outrage at Schwesnedl’s remarks and questioning the media’s role in shaping narratives about immigration enforcement. One user remarked, “Well, Jake, we can’t do business as usual right now anyway, because our city has been invaded by masked gunmen kidnapping family members and friends.”
As public outcry continues, this incident raises critical questions about the media’s responsibility in discussing sensitive topics such as immigration and human rights. It remains to be seen how CNN will address the fallout from this segment and whether there will be any repercussions for the guests and comments made.
WHAT’S NEXT: Viewers are urged to stay tuned as this story develops. The implications of this discussion may affect public sentiment towards immigration policies and the media’s coverage of such issues. Expect further reactions from both political leaders and advocacy groups in the coming days.
This alarming commentary underscores the urgency of addressing immigration reform and the narrative surrounding it, making it a hot-button issue that demands immediate attention and action.
