Stephen Colbert sparks outrage comparing ICE agents to Nazis on The Late Show, drawing significant reactions despite his show's impending end.
- January 31, 2026
AceShowbiz - Stephen Colbert is once again making headlines, as his comments regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have sparked significant reactions. Despite the impending conclusion of his show, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, in May 2026, his remarks continue to stir debate among viewers and public figures alike.
Colbert, the host of The Late Show, which premiered in 2015, is known for his sharp political satire. Recently, CBS announced that the show will air its final episode on May 21, 2026, marking the end of an era for the late-night franchise.
On January 26, 2026, during an episode of The Late Show, Colbert drew ire after comparing ICE agents to Nazis. This comment was made in reaction to a clip featuring Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino, who expressed concern over the portrayal of Border Patrol and ICE agents as equivalent to the Gestapo during a CNN interview.
The context of Bovino’s remarks followed a tragic incident involving the shooting of a nurse in Minnesota, which occurred on January 24, 2026. Colbert's controversial statement, “Yes, do not compare ICE or Border Patrol agents to the Nazis. That’s an unfair comparison. The Nazis were willing to show their faces,” was met with applause from some audiences online but drew sharp criticism from others.
Responses to Colbert's comments have been mixed. Actor Michael Rapaport condemned the comparison as a “vile, ridiculous cheap joke.” He expressed that while the events in Minnesota were indeed tragic, Colbert's remarks were inappropriate, questioning, “What’s more offensive, Colbert? Or the crowd laughing?”
Furthermore, Iranian-American columnist Sohrab Ahmari criticized Colbert's comments, labeling them as “obscene,” “ahistorical,” and “illiterate.” Musician John Ondrasik added his voice to the dissent, calling the joke an “evil act” that could endanger both protesters and law enforcement.
On social media, reactions have continued to unfold, with many discussing the incident on platforms like X. Some users vehemently disagreed with Colbert's remarks, while others came to his defense, with comments highlighting the chilling nature of his statement about Nazis.
As the final season of The Late Show approaches, it is evident that Colbert's commentary on pressing social issues remains polarizing. The fallout from his remarks on ICE reflects the broader divide in public opinion regarding immigration policies and the role of enforcement agencies.
With the segment now available on the show’s YouTube channel, discussions surrounding Colbert's remarks are likely to persist, demonstrating the power of late-night television in shaping public discourse.
