Bulwark Takes: ICE's Reign of Terror In LA: “We Can Go Anywhere!" – Episode Summary

Release Date: July 9, 2025
Host: The Bulwark Team (Sam Stein and Bill Kristol)

Introduction

In this episode of Bulwark Takes, hosts Sam Stein and Bill Kristol delve into the escalating presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Los Angeles. The discussion centers around ICE's recent militarized operations in MacArthur Park and the broader implications for civil liberties, local economies, and Democratic responses to aggressive immigration enforcement.

Militarized ICE Presence in Los Angeles

[01:00] Sam Stein begins by highlighting the ongoing federal footprint in California, emphasizing that it hasn't diminished despite previous efforts to quell protests. He introduces footage from MacArthur Park showcasing a heavy, intimidating presence of ICE officials and military personnel.

Notable Quote:

Sam Stein ([01:30]) – "There's a militarized presence of ICE officials and law enforcement walking through the park in an incredibly intimidating fashion. For what purpose? I'm not entirely sure, honestly."

[02:07] Bill Kristol responds by dissecting the visible militarization, questioning the necessity of such a display in a park without current disturbances. He points out that the National Guard's involvement is based on ICE's directives rather than immediate local needs.

Notable Quote:

Bill Kristol ([03:00]) – "They want to show people that they can go anywhere in LA. This is a show of force to intimidate and assert control, which is something we don't typically see in America."

Intimidation and Its Objectives

The hosts discuss the strategic intentions behind ICE's aggressive stance. Kristol interprets the actions as a means to intimidate not only the immigrant communities but also elected officials in "blue" states, signaling that ICE can operate freely beyond traditional borders.

Notable Quote:

Bill Kristol ([04:00]) – "This is a total attempt to intimidate mayors and governors from making their own decisions about cooperation with ICE's deportation efforts."

[04:48] Sam Stein reinforces this by suggesting that the presence is aimed at discouraging local businesses and communities, effectively fostering self-deportation among immigrants and creating an atmosphere of fear.

Notable Quote:

Sam Stein ([06:00]) – "They're trying to drive immigrants into the shadows, harass them, and make them leave the country. This impacts local economies, reducing foot traffic and harming businesses dependent on diverse communities."

Economic and Cultural Impact

The conversation shifts to the tangible effects of ICE's actions on local economies and cultural landscapes. Stein references reports from Chicago, where immigrant communities are experiencing significant downturns in economic activities and cultural events due to heightened deportation pressures.

Notable Quote:

Sam Stein ([07:00]) – "Businesses are seeing a 60-70% reduction in patronage, festivals are struggling, and the overall economic vitality of neighborhoods is at risk."

Bill Kristol adds that such policies not only undermine community stability but also ignore the essential roles that immigrants play in various sectors, contradicting claims that deportations would free up jobs and resources for native-born Americans.

Notable Quote:

Bill Kristol ([08:30]) – "The premise that deporting immigrants will open up social services and jobs is misleading. Many on Medicaid are employed, and sectors like agriculture and hospitality rely heavily on immigrant labor."

Democratic Response and Political Ramifications

Addressing the political landscape, Stein observes a shift within the Democratic Party. Recent actions by figures like Karen Bass and Gavin Newsom indicate a more unified stance against the current immigration enforcement strategies, moving away from previous disjointed positions.

Notable Quote:

Sam Stein ([09:30]) – "Democrats are now more vocal against these aggressive ICE tactics, contrasting sharply with their earlier attempts to balance party pressures with constituent demands."

Bill Kristol counters that Democrats are under no real choice but to stand against these measures, emphasizing the importance of upholding civil liberties and resisting the normalization of a militarized police force.

Notable Quote:

Bill Kristol ([10:11]) – "Someone has to stand up and say this is wrong. The militarization of ICE violates civil liberties and undermines community trust."

Future Implications and Conclusion

The discussion culminates in an analysis of ICE's expanding role and the long-term implications for American society. Kristol warns of ICE becoming the largest federal police force, surpassing agencies like the FBI, with fewer constraints and diminished professionalism.

Notable Quote:

Bill Kristol ([11:07]) – "ICE is poised to become the largest federal police agency, which raises serious concerns about oversight, accountability, and abuse of power."

[12:13] Sam Stein concludes by stressing the importance of public awareness and resistance to prevent the entrenchment of an immigration police state.

Notable Quote:

Sam Stein ([12:30]) – "Setting a budget and allocating resources to ICE now makes it harder to reverse course in the future. Public vigilance is crucial to protecting our communities and civil liberties."

Final Remarks:

Bill Kristol ([13:00]) – "Take what you can and stand against policies that threaten the fabric of our society. Thanks for tuning in, and stay informed."

Key Takeaways

• Militarization as Intimidation: ICE's overt militarized presence in LA serves to intimidate both immigrant communities and local officials.

• Economic and Cultural Damage: Aggressive deportation strategies are detrimental to local economies, reducing business patronage and disrupting cultural activities.

• Political Shifts: The Democratic Party is increasingly uniting against harsh immigration enforcement, signaling a potential realignment in policy and public stance.

• Future of ICE: Without intervention, ICE is set to become the largest and possibly least regulated federal police force, posing significant threats to civil liberties.

This episode of Bulwark Takes provides a critical examination of ICE's strategies in Los Angeles, highlighting the broader implications for society, economy, and political dynamics. Stein and Kristol effectively argue that such aggressive enforcement tactics are not only counterproductive but also harmful to the foundational values of American communities.