Dr. Phil McGraw, a Trump ally, deployed cameras to document ICE raids in Los Angeles while violent protests erupted, sparking a political firestorm between President Trump and California Governor Gavin Newsom that culminated in National Guard deployments against state wishes.
Key Takeaways
- Dr. Phil McGraw was present with his camera crew at ICE field offices during controversial immigration raids in Los Angeles that led to violent protests and riots.
- President Trump authorized 2,000 National Guard troops to manage the situation, bypassing Governor Newsom’s authority and igniting a fierce political standoff.
- McGraw interviewed Trump’s border czar Tom Homan, who warned against interference with ICE operations while acknowledging many arrestees had no criminal records.
- The footage will be featured on “Dr. Phil Primetime,” providing viewers with exclusive coverage of Trump’s immigration enforcement strategy.
- This marks Dr. Phil’s second time covering ICE raids, following his previous embedding with agents in Chicago, reinforcing his support for Trump’s immigration policies.
Dr. Phil Documents America’s Immigration Enforcement
Television personality Dr. Phil McGraw was present at ICE field offices in Los Angeles during recent immigration enforcement operations that sparked days of chaotic protests. While McGraw did not directly embed with ICE agents during the raids, unlike his previous coverage in Chicago, his team captured footage before and after operations for an upcoming special on his Merit Street Media show, “Dr. Phil Primetime.” His involvement highlights the administration’s commitment to showcasing immigration enforcement efforts to the American public, making visible the policies promised during President Trump’s campaign.
The raids targeted multiple locations across Los Angeles, including the Fashion District and a Home Depot in Paramount, California, where day laborers were gathered. As word of the operations spread, protesters quickly mobilized, leading to violent confrontations with both ICE agents and local law enforcement. Rioters attacked federal agents with rocks during one raid, creating dangerous conditions that led authorities to request additional support. The scenes of chaos underscore the intense opposition from leftist groups to enforcing existing immigration laws.
Trump Deploys National Guard Despite State Opposition
In response to escalating violence, President Trump decisively authorized the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops to restore order in Los Angeles. This move bypassed California Governor Gavin Newsom’s authority, creating an unprecedented state-federal showdown. Newsom, a longtime critic of Trump’s immigration policies, furiously objected to the deployment and threatened legal action, claiming constitutional overreach. The governor’s resistance highlights the ongoing pattern of Democrat-led states obstructing federal immigration enforcement efforts.
“Donald Trump has created the conditions you see on your TV tonight. He’s exacerbated the conditions. He’s lit the proverbial match. He’s putting fuel on this fire,” said Gavin Newsom, Governor of California.
The conflict escalated when protesters shut down freeways and vandalized property, with some engaging in what the President characterized as “insurrectionist” behavior. In a late-night social media post, Trump called for more aggressive actions against those interfering with immigration enforcement operations. The situation in Los Angeles provides a clear preview of how the administration plans to handle sanctuary cities that have long impeded federal immigration laws through non-cooperation policies and local ordinances designed to shield illegal immigrants.
Border Czar’s Warning
In an exclusive interview with Dr. Phil, Trump-appointed border czar Tom Homan delivered a stark message to those considering interference with ICE operations. “You can hate what ICE does and who ICE is. You can protest and throw out all the nasty words you want, but you can’t cross that line,” warned Homan. His comments came after reports that Homan had threatened to arrest Governor Newsom if state officials continued obstructing federal immigration enforcement.
While critics have characterized the raids as a “made-for-TV” spectacle due to Dr. Phil’s involvement, supporters view the coverage as necessary transparency regarding enforcement actions that previous administrations conducted with less public visibility. Homan acknowledged during his interview that many individuals arrested during the operations had no criminal records beyond illegal entry, confirming the administration’s broader approach to immigration enforcement that doesn’t limit deportations to those with criminal histories beyond their immigration violations.
Local Resistance Crumbles Under Federal Pressure
The city of Glendale, California, which had previously maintained a contract with ICE, terminated that agreement amid the protests, signaling how local jurisdictions are buckling under pressure from anti-enforcement activists. This pattern of local resistance has complicated federal efforts to enforce immigration laws nationwide. The FBI has now launched investigations into the most violent protest activities, focusing on potential domestic terrorism charges for those who attacked federal agents or facilities during the demonstrations.
“This is a preview for things to come. This isn’t about L.A. per se, it’s about us today, and you—everyone watching—tomorrow. Donald Trump is unhinged right now,” said Gavin Newsom, Governor of California.
Dr. Phil’s coverage provides Americans with an unfiltered look at both immigration enforcement operations and the organized resistance they face. His previous work in Chicago, where agents were reportedly instructed to be “camera-ready” for his crew, established a precedent for this type of media access. The resulting footage showcases the reality of enforcing immigration laws that have been on the books for decades but were previously unenforced by administrations unwilling to face political backlash from open-borders advocates.
