Dr. Phil McGraw, widely known as a daytime TV personality, has taken on a new role by embedding himself with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Chicago. McGraw joined ICE during targeted operations to arrest criminal illegal migrants, including those charged with serious crimes. A video of his participation, which aired on MeritTV, highlighted the dangers ICE agents face while enforcing immigration laws in sanctuary cities like Chicago.
In one operation, McGraw witnessed the arrest of an illegal immigrant from Thailand who had been charged with sex crimes against children. Sanctuary city policies had allowed the individual to remain on the streets, despite his criminal record. McGraw emphasized the gravity of ICE’s mission, stating, “These are known criminals and terrorists. We’re talking about murderers, child traffickers, child rapists. Bad actors, both in the countries they’ve come from and since they’ve been here.”
McGraw clarified that ICE’s operations are highly targeted and focused on individuals who pose significant risks to public safety. “This is not about sweeping neighborhoods or targeting random individuals,” he said. “ICE had 270 high-risk targets, and these operations are designed to remove those criminals from communities.”
Dr. Phil also highlighted the challenges ICE agents face due to sanctuary city policies. These policies often prevent ICE from arresting individuals in controlled environments, such as jails, forcing agents to pursue dangerous criminals in public spaces. “If these people are in detention, ICE can arrest them safely in a controlled environment,” McGraw explained. “But on the streets, agents risk the safety of civilians if suspects resist or become violent.”
The collaboration included former ICE Acting Director Tom Homan, who reinforced the necessity of ICE’s work to protect communities. Homan and McGraw rejected common misconceptions about ICE operations, stressing that they target specific individuals with extensive criminal histories, not law-abiding immigrants.
McGraw’s participation underscores the ongoing debate over sanctuary city policies and their impact on public safety. His firsthand experience highlighted the risks ICE agents face and the importance of enforcing immigration laws to protect American communities.
