Former daytime talk-show host Phil McGraw posted a video of himself on a ride-along with immigration agents in Chicago, showcasing targeted efforts to apprehend criminals and terrorists. The video aired on Merit Street Media, founded by McGraw, featured Trump administration border czar Thomas Homan denying false narratives about immigration sweeps. These operations come amid President Trump’s promise for mass deportations and a recent policy reversal allowing raids in sensitive locations, prompting a lawsuit by Quaker congregations.
The video shows McGraw questioning a handcuffed man, accused of sex crimes with children, who asked for a lawyer and recognized the host from ‘Dr. Phil.’ McGraw, who ended his show in 2023, spoke at a Trump rally but denied endorsing him, and has previously been involved in the reality TV world before entering politics. Trump’s use of modern media formats during his campaigns has been compared to the reality TV era, with Maury Povich and Jerry Springer noting similarities in their shows and Trump’s presidency.
ICE conducted its largest mass arrest operation under Trump’s administration, detaining nearly 1,200 individuals, with a significant number having no criminal records. McGraw’s involvement with ICE has drawn both criticism and support, as he highlights the agency’s efforts in combating criminal elements. The video raises questions about due process and the treatment of undocumented individuals, with implications for immigration policy and enforcement in the U.S.
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