Stephen Colbert Infuriates the Internet | WATCH
Stephen Colbert under fire for comparing ICE agents to Nazis on "The Late Show," joking Nazis "were willing to show their faces." Critics slam comment as Holocaust minimization.
Late-night host Stephen Colbert has drawn widespread criticism after a clip from his January 28, 2026, episode of "The Late Show" went viral, in which he satirically suggested that comparing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to Nazis is unfair, because, in his punchline, "the Nazis were willing to show their faces."
In the segment, Colbert addressed reports of ICE operations where agents allegedly wore masks or concealed identities during raids. He stated: “Do not compare ICE or Border Patrol agents to the Nazis. That’s an unfair comparison. The Nazis were willing to show their faces.” The remark was part of a broader comedic critique of immigration enforcement under the Trump administration, highlighting what Colbert portrayed as excessive secrecy or anonymity in recent operations.
The clip has infuriated many people for downplaying Nazi atrocities or implying Nazis were "better" in some way. Critics, including conservative commentators, accused Colbert of Holocaust minimization, with one post noting: "People like Stephen Colbert minimize the Holocaust. Do you know what else separates the Nazis and ICE? ICE did not murder 6 million Jews."
Others called it "peak leftist absurdity," arguing it smears law enforcement while inadvertently whitewashing history.
Supporters of Colbert view the comment as classic satire, intended to mock ICE's tactics rather than defend Nazis.
The full context of the monologue focused on broader immigration policies, but the isolated soundbite fueled backlash amid heightened political tensions over border enforcement.
This is not Colbert's first controversy involving historical analogies; similar Nazi references in his comedy have drawn ire in the past. CBS, the network airing "The Late Show," has not issued a statement on the matter.