Rogan can’t make his mind up.
Podcast giant Joe Rogan, once a vocal supporter of President Donald Trump and a key figure in the 2024 election media blitz, has stunned many on the right with sharp criticism of the administration’s recent immigration enforcement actions.
During a recent episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, Rogan said many Americans believed ICE raids would target violent gang members, drug traffickers, and cartel operatives — not construction crews, landscapers, and other workers trying to earn a living.
Rogan Says Raids Are Hitting the Wrong Targets
Rogan referenced recent workplace sweeps and arrests at construction sites, schools, and even retail stores. “When people thought about ICE, they thought, ‘Great, we’re getting rid of dangerous criminals,’” Rogan said. “They didn’t think it meant pulling the local landscaper off the job site.”
The criticism came after Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) joined Rogan’s show, warning that recent anti-ICE protests could be linked to Chinese-funded efforts to sow division ahead of the midterm elections. While Rogan admitted foreign influence is possible, he also argued that public outrage is partly due to genuine concern over who is being targeted.
Balancing Border Security With Community Impact
“I absolutely support keeping dangerous criminals out,” Rogan said. “But how many corporations rely on illegal labor? That’s the part that freaks people out.” He also empathized with migrants from impoverished nations seeking work in America, noting they often lack the money or legal know-how to navigate the immigration system.
Luna countered that both political parties have allowed the illegal immigration crisis to continue because they benefit from it — a theory Rogan called “probably accurate, and terrifying.”
Trump’s Targeted Exception Proposal
In July, President Trump floated the idea of making targeted exceptions for certain industries that depend on migrant labor, while making clear that criminals, cartel members, and gang affiliates remain top deportation priorities. The president admitted the move could frustrate “radical-right” supporters, but argued it’s necessary to keep America’s economy moving while still securing the border.
Bottom Line: Rogan’s latest remarks are sparking debate inside conservative circles — highlighting the difficult balance between strict border enforcement and the economic realities of industries that rely on migrant workers.