Sen. Dick Durbin: Dr. Phil Had No Business Taking Part in ICE Immigration Raids in Chicago
A Critique of Trump Administration’s Media Strategy
WASHINGTON – Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., excoriated the Trump administration for allowing TV host Dr. Phil McGraw to embed with federal agents carrying out deportation raids in Chicago, arguing in a Tuesday Senate floor speech that if the immigrants being rounded up were so dangerous, why was McGraw along for the ride?
A Questionable Pairing
“Dr. Phil has as much business being on these raids as he does performing surgery,” Durbin said. McGraw is a psychologist, not a medical doctor.
A Mutual Benefit
Federal agents allowed McGraw enormous access during the Sunday operations, tagging along with President Donald Trump’s border czar Tom Homan, in Chicago to oversee the operation. The deal was mutually beneficial — Homan got favorable coverage as McGraw used his live coverage to build an audience on his MeritTV digital television network.
A Staged Event
Having McGraw on hand was just part of Trump’s team media strategy. At least two national news outlets were allowed access to the raids, which served to give Homan and the agents coverage from their perspective during the Chicago raids.
A Surprising Encounter
One man taken into custody recognized the man he called Dr. Phil and agents allowed McGraw to talk to him. Though McGraw became famous because Oprah Winfrey promoted him when she was producing her TV show from Chicago — and he went on to host his own daytime talk show — he evolved into a strong right-wing Trump supporter.
Durbin’s Concerns
“I was disappointed to see the White House borders czar Tom Holman come to Chicago recently with ICE agents arresting immigrants asking them questions after they’d requested, even after they’d requested to speak to an attorney,” Durbin said.
A Question of Legitimacy
“Dr. Phil, a TV doctor, is not an MD, but for some reason, he was invited to go along with this raid,” Durbin said.
Conclusion
In his speech, Durbin emphasized the importance of ensuring that immigration policies are fair, just, and humane, and that they do not unfairly target specific groups or individuals. He also stressed the need for transparency and accountability in the administration’s handling of immigration issues.
FAQs
* What was the purpose of Dr. Phil’s involvement in the ICE immigration raids in Chicago?
Dr. Phil, a TV host and psychologist, was invited by the Trump administration to accompany federal agents during the raids.
* Why did Sen. Dick Durbin criticize Dr. Phil’s involvement in the raids?
Durbin argued that Dr. Phil had no business being on the raids, as he is not a medical doctor and has no expertise in immigration policies or law enforcement.
* What were the concerns expressed by Sen. Durbin about the immigration raids?
Durbin expressed concerns that the raids were targeting specific groups, such as immigrants who are not a danger to society, and that the administration’s policies are not transparent or accountable.
