In a raw and emotional monologue that has left audiences reeling, late-night host Jimmy Kimmel extended a desperate olive branch to President Donald Trump, offering one—or even all—of his hard-earned awards in exchange for withdrawing ICE agents from Minnesota. This poignant gesture comes amid escalating tensions in Minneapolis following the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good by an ICE officer last week, an incident that has ignited nationwide outrage and exposed deep fractures in immigration enforcement practices. Kimmel, visibly moved during his January 15, 2026, broadcast of “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” laid out his proposal as a last-ditch effort to protect innocent lives, turning a spotlight on the human cost of political decisions.
The tragedy unfolded when Good, a local resident with no criminal record, was approached by ICE during a routine operation. Reports indicate the encounter escalated quickly, resulting in her death and sparking protests across the city. Trump, facing backlash, doubled down by deploying additional agents, a move critics decry as inflammatory rather than remedial. This response has drawn comparisons to pouring fuel on a fire, exacerbating community fears and highlighting the agency’s role in urban areas far from borders. Minnesota officials, including Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, have vocally demanded ICE’s removal, emphasizing that such operations undermine public trust and safety.
Kimmel, known for blending humor with heartfelt commentary, didn’t hold back. He showcased a lineup of his accolades—a Daytime Emmy, Critics’ Choice Awards, and others earned over his decades-long career—proposing Trump select any as a “prize” for compliance. The offer, delivered with a mix of sarcasm and sincerity, underscores Kimmel’s frustration with the administration’s priorities. He referenced Trump’s recent meeting with Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, where the president reportedly expressed interest in her Nobel Peace Prize, using it as a hook to appeal to Trump’s affinity for trophies. “The choice is yours,” Kimmel implored, pledging to personally deliver them to the White House if ICE retreats to border duties.
This isn’t Kimmel’s first jab at the situation. Earlier in the week, he suggested redirecting ICE forces to international hotspots like Iran, where protests rage, as a way to “help” while sparing American communities. His commentary resonates amid broader debates on immigration reform, with ICE’s expanded presence in cities like Minneapolis linked to increased civilian encounters and unintended violence. Families affected by similar incidents share stories of fear and loss, painting a heartbreaking picture of divided neighborhoods and shattered lives.
Public reaction has been swift and divided. Supporters hail Kimmel’s boldness as a stand for humanity, while detractors accuse him of politicizing entertainment. Social media erupts with memes and debates, amplifying calls for accountability. For Minnesota residents, the plea hits close to home, evoking tears and solidarity rallies. As Trump prepares for high-stakes White House discussions on foreign investments, including Venezuelan oil deals, domestic unrest simmers.
Kimmel’s offer, though unlikely to sway policy, captures the nation’s pulse—a blend of desperation and defiance. It forces reflection on leadership’s toll: when awards become bargaining chips for peace, what does it say about our priorities? In a divided America, this emotional trade-off leaves hearts heavy, wondering if mercy will prevail over might.
