Bulwark Takes: Stephen Miller's Real and Insane Agenda (w/ Adrian Carrasquillo) | Bulwark on Sunday Release Date: June 8, 2025

In this episode of "Bulwark Takes," host Bill Crystal engages in a deep discussion with guest Adrian Carrasquillo about the aggressive immigration enforcement strategies spearheaded by Stephen Miller under the Trump administration. The conversation delves into the implications of mass deportations, community resistance in Los Angeles, the potential deployment of the National Guard, and the broader political and constitutional ramifications of these policies.

1. Setting the Stage: Personal Histories and Current Turmoil

The episode begins with personal anecdotes from both hosts about their experiences during the tragic events of September 11, 2001. This segment underscores the resilience of communities in the face of adversity, a theme that resonates throughout the discussion on immigration enforcement.

2. Stephen Miller’s Aggressive Deportation Policies

Adrian Carrasquillo outlines recent developments in immigration enforcement, highlighting Stephen Miller's push for mass deportations. He references a [05:09] NBC News report where Miller demands "3,000 arrests a day" and questions, "Why aren't they going into Home Depots?" indicating a strategy to infiltrate community hubs to apprehend undocumented immigrants.

Adrian Carrasquillo [06:02]: "... in Paramount is where they arrested 20 workers. And altogether over Friday, Saturday, so far, they've arrested 120 workers in California, largely in LA, and 82% Latino."

3. Impact on California’s Immigrant Communities

The discussion shifts to California, particularly Los Angeles, where the majority of the population is Latino and immigrant. Adrian emphasizes that immigrants are "the lifeblood of the economy" in LA, making it a focal point for Miller's intensified enforcement.

Adrian Carrasquillo [06:02]: "There's a million undocumented people in California, I think that says a lot. And I think this is a fight that definitely the administration is spoiling and happy to have."

4. Community Resistance and Reactions

Bill Crystal and Adrian Carrasquillo explore the resistance from local communities against these aggressive tactics. They discuss how immigrants, who are essential workers, are now facing raids and arrests, leading to fear and anger within communities that were previously thriving.

Adrian Carrasquillo [07:21]: "What you have in California and LA is a different animal when it comes to immigration enforcement."

5. National Guard Deployment and Legal Concerns

The conversation touches on the potential deployment of the National Guard in response to escalating tensions. Bill Crystal references a presidential memorandum that suggests deploying "at least 2,000 National Guard" members to protect federal facilities and functions without explicitly invoking the Insurrection Act.

Bill Crystal [10:36]: "The presidential memorandum last night... is pretty close, I think down that slippery slope."

Adrian expresses concern over this development, noting the implications of militarizing civilian spaces and the potential for abuse of power.

Adrian Carrasquillo [07:21]: "The administration is happy to have this fight."

6. Public Opinion and Political Strategies

Adrian discusses insights from focus groups indicating that while a significant portion of Americans support deporting criminals, there is minimal support for broader mass deportations, such as deporting the spouses of U.S. citizens or Dreamers.

Adrian Carrasquillo [17:01]: "Most Americans agree criminals should be deported... but the numbers drop sharply when you consider deporting Dreamers."

He also highlights a shift among Latino voters, with some expressing regret over supporting Trump due to the administration's harsh immigration policies.

7. Legal and Constitutional Concerns

The hosts delve into the legal ramifications of mass deportations, questioning the erosion of due process and the potential for unconstitutional actions. Adrian points out the inconsistency in targeting immigrants who are legal workers and the broader implications for civil liberties.

Adrian Carrasquillo [19:31]: "We're starting with 'peace through strength,' which traditionally applies to foreign policy, but now it's being used domestically against immigrants."

8. Future Implications and Predictions

Looking ahead, Adrian predicts that aggressive enforcement will lead to increased community pushback and potential legal battles. He warns of a slippery slope where current tactics could pave the way for more authoritarian measures against not just immigrants but other marginalized groups.

Adrian Carrasquillo [27:29]: "This is a fight that will spiral unless there is significant pushback from communities and legal institutions."

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Bill Crystal and Adrian Carrasquillo reiterating the urgency of addressing the overreach in immigration enforcement. They emphasize the need for informed public discourse and the protection of civil liberties against mass deportation strategies.

Bill Crystal [38:39]: "President Trump's declaration... could have gone into some kind of defense of the decency of the policy. I suppose that's pretty hard, but didn't even try to right. We're now 'peace through strength.'"

Adrian Carrasquillo leaves listeners with a call to stay informed and vigilant against policies that threaten the fabric of diverse communities in America.

Adrian Carrasquillo [39:08]: "Thanks for having me."

This episode serves as a critical examination of the current state of immigration enforcement in the United States, shedding light on the human and societal impacts of policies driven by Stephen Miller and the Trump administration. Listeners are encouraged to engage with these issues thoughtfully and advocate for equitable and humane immigration reform.