Sean Strickland recently responded to Joe Rogan’s comments condemning the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency for its approach to immigration enforcement. During a recent episode of The Joe Rogan Experience featuring U.S. Senator Rand Paul, Rogan expressed concerns about the use of militarized tactics by ICE, warning against turning America into a state that demands “papers” like a Gestapo-style force. Strickland disputed Rogan’s change in stance on the Trump administration and mass deportations, defending the need for armed immigration enforcement and labeling undocumented immigrants as criminals.
Joe Rogan’s viewpoint on ICE enforcement and mass deportations
On episode #2437 of The Joe Rogan Experience, Rogan described the problem of ICE agents conducting raids and detaining people who may actually be U.S. citizens lacking proper documentation. He said,
“I can also see the point of view of the people that say, ‘Yeah, but you don’t want militarized people in the streets just roaming around snatching people up, many of whom turn out to actually be U.S. citizens that just don’t have their papers on them… Are we really going to be the Gestapo? ‘Where’s your papers?’ Is that what we’ve come to?”
Strickland’s direct rebuttal to Rogan’s criticism of immigration enforcement
In response to Rogan’s comments, Sean Strickland took to social media to express his frustration with what he saw as Rogan’s reversal. Strickland wrote,
“Trump for 10 years, promising mass deportation… Joe Rogan after supporting Trump, ‘We don’t want armed men taking people.’ Actually, Rogan, we do. If you are here illegally, you are a criminal, and we want armed men to send you back to your country.”
His remarks highlight a sharp divide in the debate around immigration enforcement tactics and policy.
Strickland’s refusal to participate in UFC White House event
Apart from his stance on immigration, Sean Strickland also voiced his unwillingness to fight on the upcoming UFC White House card scheduled for June. He cited discomfort with the event’s atmosphere, specifically the idea of mingling with the powerful elite. During a livestream with Adin Ross, Strickland remarked,
“Some guy fought and he said that he doesn’t really want to fight in front of billionaires, and I do understand that. That makes sense. I think I’d wanted to do the White House [event]… with some kind of like inclusion with the fans. So if there was some kind of inclusion with the fans would be more but like just to go hang out with the f****** [Jeffrey] Epstein list, I’m good, dude.”
Implications of Strickland’s remarks on public discourse surrounding ICE and UFC events
Strickland’s outspoken reaction underscores the tension surrounding immigration enforcement debates, especially as public figures like Joe Rogan and Sean Strickland voice contrasting perspectives. His comments reflect an urgent, divisive viewpoint regarding the role of ICE and the treatment of undocumented immigrants in the U.S. At the same time, his refusal to participate in a prominent UFC event points to growing scrutiny on the interactions between athletes and political power structures. This discourse signals continued debate ahead, with wide-reaching implications for policy, law enforcement, and sports culture.
Trump for 10 years. Promising mass deportation….
Joe Rogan after supporting trump
"we dont want armed men taking people"
Actually Rogan we do. If you are here illegally, you are a criminal and we want armed men to send you back to your country
— Sean Strickland (@SStricklandMMA) January 14, 2026
Sean Strickland isn't interested in fighting at the UFC White House event:
"Just to go hang out with the f***ing Epstein list, I'm good dude."
(via @adinross) pic.twitter.com/kPT9SGvh1X
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) December 19, 2025
