WarRoom Battleground EP 702: Keeping Your Foot On The Gas With Deportations
Release Date: February 6, 2025
Hosts: Stephen K. Bannon and Todd Bensman
1. Introduction
In Episode 702 of "WarRoom Battleground," host Stephen K. Bannon engages in a comprehensive discussion with immigration expert Todd Bensman about the current state of the U.S. southern border, mass deportations, and related geopolitical issues. The episode delves into the effectiveness of recent border policies, collaboration with Mexico, the ongoing fentanyl crisis, and the political challenges surrounding these initiatives.
2. Current State of Border Security
Stephen K. Bannon opens the discussion by emphasizing the significant improvements in border security under recent policies. He states:
"The border is secured. It took about one. Yeah, but hang on." [07:08]
Todd Bensman corroborates this sentiment, highlighting the drastic reduction in daily crossings:
"440 crossings the day before yesterday. They're in the 400 range now a day... that's down 2/3 from where it was on Biden's final week in office." [05:08]
This marks a substantial decrease from the peak months of November and December 2023, where daily crossings soared to between 10,000 and 14,000.
3. Mass Deportations and Enforcement
Bensman elaborates on the mechanisms behind the improved border security, attributing it to stringent enforcement measures:
"Very, very, very few illegal aliens are crossing the border anymore. And the reason is because of expulsions and detentions and deportations." [07:41]
He explains that policies implemented at the start of the administration, such as canceling parole programs and scheduled illegal entries, have effectively minimized unauthorized crossings. Bensman also points out the role of increased manpower and resources:
"The military down there right now, they are providing crucial manpower... putting boots on the ground in areas where there aren't many boots on the ground." [09:45]
4. Collaboration with Mexico
A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the U.S. collaboration with Mexico to enhance border security. Bensman notes the deployment of 10,000 Mexican troops to assist in fortifying the border and combating cartel activities:
"Mexico is now deploying 10,000 troops who are going to double layer that thing to make sure that people don't try to penetrate." [05:08]
He anticipates potential conflicts arising from this collaboration, especially as Mexican military forces begin to actively pursue and dismantle fentanyl labs:
"Once you put Mexican military power between the cartels and our border... there's going to be fireworks, shooting." [17:29]
5. The Fentanyl Crisis
Addressing the persistent issue of fentanyl trafficking, Bensman underscores the complexities involved despite heightened border security:
"Fentanyl is a difficult problem. It's trafficked in small quantities. It's easy to move on trucks. It's easy to mail in from China." [18:18]
He emphasizes the necessity of Mexico's military involvement in targeting cartel operations:
"They are insistent, the Trump administration has to be insistent, that Mexico actually use its military to physically, kinetically pressure the Mexican cartels in their labs." [18:18]
Furthermore, Bensman discusses potential legal designations of cartels as terrorist organizations to bolster enforcement efforts:
"It depends... I'm waiting to hear how they plan to resource that because right now you've got 70, 60 or 65, 70 designated terrorist organizations... they are pretty tied up working that." [20:09]
6. Political Pushback and Legal Challenges
The episode delves into the resistance from sanctuary cities and Democratic officials against mass deportations. Bensman critiques the opposition's stance:
"I just can't see what political advantage you're gonna gain from that. You're gonna lose again." [24:46]
Stephen Bannon anticipates significant media backlash and public demonstrations against the deportation policies, labeling such negative portrayals as "injustice porn":
"They think standing up to President Trump... are arrogant, they're not backing down." [32:16]
Bensman acknowledges the likelihood of increased litigation as policies face judicial scrutiny but remains optimistic about the administration's legal strategies:
"They have an information war, countering the injustice porn... it's just all bs... it's a long war." [36:04]
7. Legislative and Budgetary Considerations
The conversation highlights the essential role of legislative support in maintaining and expanding border enforcement initiatives. Bensman points out the necessity of increased funding and legislative backing to sustain and escalate deportation efforts:
"They're gonna have to exploit that trifecta to the max while they can... they need money, they need aircraft, they need people, they need bed space." [42:30]
He also mentions recent legislative actions, such as the Lake and Riley Act, as indicators of ongoing efforts to secure additional resources:
"They had a big piece of legislation... within a week, they had a bill signed... that foretells some more legislation that they're going to need." [42:30]
8. Future Outlook and Public Perception
Looking ahead, both hosts discuss the potential trajectory of border policies and their societal impacts. Bensman forecasts a gradual intensification of deportation efforts, moving from criminal aliens to broader categories over time:
"The machine was dismantled and left in pieces... they have a lot more coming." [41:51]
Bannon warns of the impending information war aimed at discrediting deportation efforts through emotionally charged media portrayals:
"They’re gonna see a lot of that sort of thing and it'll probably gain momentum and numbers as we go from criminal aliens to non-criminals." [40:33]
Bensman remains resolute, emphasizing the administration's commitment to achieving high deportation numbers despite legal and political obstacles:
"He's going to have to ramp up, but they... there's a lot more coming, I can tell you that. There's a lot more coming." [41:51]
9. Conclusion
The episode concludes with a reaffirmation of the administration's strategies to maintain stringent border security and execute mass deportations. Both Bannon and Bensman underline the importance of sustained effort, legislative support, and public backing to ensure the success of these initiatives. They warn of the challenges ahead, including legal battles and political opposition, but remain confident in their approach to restoring national security and integrity.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- Steven K. Bannon: "The border is secured... It's going to happen." [07:08]
- Todd Bensman: "440 crossings the day before yesterday... that's down 2/3 from where it was on Biden's final week in office." [05:08]
- Todd Bensman: "Very, very, very few illegal aliens are crossing the border anymore... expulsions and detentions and deportations." [07:41]
- Todd Bensman: "Fentanyl is a difficult problem... easy to move on trucks... mail in from China." [18:18]
- Todd Bensman: "What you have to do is press Mexico's military to physically, kinetically pressure the Mexican cartels in their labs." [20:09]
- Todd Bensman: "Let them think that that's what the Democratic Party thought about the border... they lost their ass." [32:16]
- Todd Bensman: "The machine was dismantled and left in pieces... they have a lot more coming." [41:51]
- Stephen K. Bannon: "When you have to do the cuts and the social programs... and you're taking away from education, you're killing the arts, all of it." [33:37]
Final Thoughts
"WarRoom Battleground" Episode 702 provides an in-depth analysis of the current border security measures and the administration's unwavering stance on immigration enforcement. Through the expertise of Todd Bensman, listeners gain valuable insights into the strategies, challenges, and future plans aimed at securing the southern border and addressing related issues such as the fentanyl crisis. The episode underscores the complexities of immigration policy, the importance of bipartisan legislative support, and the anticipated societal and political responses to sustained deportation efforts.