Bulwark Takes: Trump Shreds Due Process as GOP Plays Political Games With People’s Lives

Episode Release Date: March 27, 2025
Host/Authors: Sam Stein, Adrian Carrascuelo, Tim Miller
Podcast: Bulwark Takes by The Bulwark

Introduction

In this episode of Bulwark Takes, Sam Stein, Adrian Carrascuelo, and Tim Miller delve into the alarming trend of deportations orchestrated by the GOP, specifically focusing on the Trump administration's erosion of due process. The conversation highlights the inhumane treatment of Venezuelan asylum seekers deported to El Salvador under dubious pretenses, primarily targeting individuals based on innocuous tattoos. The hosts express profound outrage over these actions and scrutinize the political maneuvers that enable such violations of American values.

Deportations Based on Tattoos

The discussion begins with Sam Stein introducing a Mother Jones investigative report that exposes how ICE agents are deporting legally sanctioned immigrants to El Salvador solely because of their tattoos.

Sam Stein (00:00):
"We're pretty, pretty hot on a couple stories right now... what's happening with these Venezuelans being deported to El Salvador and what's happening frankly on college campuses with ICE agents..."

Adrian Carrascuelo elaborates on the profile of these individuals, emphasizing the innocence of their tattoos. For instance, Neri Alvarado, who has an autism awareness tattoo, was deported despite clarifying its personal significance to ICE agents.

Adrian Carrascuelo (03:03):
"Are there gang members that have a rainbow ribbon tattoo for autism awareness? I don't really think that violent criminals... have their little sort of ribbon, you know, activism ribbon."

Tim Miller underscores the lack of due process, noting that in the past, such cases would undergo adjudication to determine intent, but now, individuals are being "shipped to an El Salvador and black site" without proper legal scrutiny.

Tim Miller (02:05):
"These mistakes have been made in the past is that now no one cares and they're just shipping you to an El Salvador and black site. Right."

Specific Cases Highlighting Inhumanity

The hosts discuss several specific cases to illustrate the severity of the issue:

1. Neri Alvarado: A Venezuelan musician deported with an autism awareness tattoo.
2. Arturo Suarez: Another Venezuelan musician facing similar deportation without criminal records.
3. F. Gal Cornejo: Owner of a streetwear clothing company deported despite having innocuous tattoos.

Adrian Carrascuelo draws parallels between these deportations and notorious human rights violations, comparing the dehumanizing images of detainees to scenes reminiscent of Abu Ghraib.

Adrian Carrascuelo (14:49):
"It's like Abu Ghraib. The picture of these humanizing... they're chained and they're sitting on top of each other. It's dehumanizing."

The emotional and psychological trauma inflicted on families is also emphasized, highlighting the impact on spouses and children left in the United States without their loved ones.

Sam Stein (14:55):
"Imagine just seeing your husband or your father like that randomly the next day... the emotional trauma that that would cause..."

Political Reactions and the GOP Strategy

The conversation shifts to the political implications of these deportations. The hosts argue that the Trump administration is using these cases as "bait" to inflame public opinion and provoke a reaction from Democrats.

Sam Stein (05:54):
"They're playing a political game here. To them, this is bait... they think that the public's with them on their side and maybe they're right."

Adrian Carrascuelo expresses frustration with Republican attempts to distract from their misdeeds by highlighting isolated cases of violent criminals deported under the Biden administration, diverting attention from the broader human rights abuses.

Adrian Carrascuelo (06:16):
"MAGA people are like, oh, what about these three examples of these people that have like nine criminal convictions... I don't like that doesn't have anything to do with the basic human rights..."

Tim Miller critiques Democratic leaders like Ruben Gallego and Mark Warner for their lackluster responses, suggesting that Democrats are not effectively addressing the violation of American values due to political calculations.

Tim Miller (07:39):
"Reuben made it clear... Are Democrats fighting on smart ground? And should they fight on higher ground?"

Lack of Democratic Advocacy

The hosts express disappointment in the Democratic Party's response, highlighting a perceived reluctance to confront the Trump administration's policies robustly. Adrian recounts his conversation with Senator Mark Warner, who offered only a perfunctory condemnation without actionable solutions.

Adrian Carrascuelo (08:34):
"He was, he said he wants the courts to do something... but the courts can't do anything about somebody that is not an American that is in a San Salvador prison."

Sam Stein laments the absence of passionate Democratic advocacy for due process and human rights, questioning why leaders like Ruben Gallego are not more vocally opposing the administration's actions.

Sam Stein (07:12):
"I've not seen one Democrat actually impassion with passion argue that this is antithetical to American values."

Impact on American Values and Communities

The episode delves into the broader implications of these deportations on American values, particularly the foundational principles of due process and protection of human rights. The hosts argue that such policies tarnish America's reputation as a beacon of freedom and justice.

Sam Stein (13:27):
"There's a real cost to this one. If you're an international student, why the hell would you want to come to the United States and study at our universities right now?"

Adrian Carrascuelo highlights the strategic targeting of individuals with ideological significance, such as campus protesters, to create a narrative that these deportations are about public safety rather than political oppression.

Adrian Carrascuelo (12:41):
"They're doing these kind of made for TV efforts to target people that they think that they will get political advantage..."

The emotional and societal toll is further emphasized through personal anecdotes, illustrating the devastating effects on families and communities.

Conclusion

In wrapping up the episode, Sam Stein underscores the multifaceted devastation wrought by the Trump administration's immigration policies. These include the erosion of due process, the destabilization of communities, and the undermining of America's core values. The hosts call for greater awareness and advocacy to counteract these unjust practices and restore the nation's commitment to human rights and justice.

Sam Stein (14:55):
"This is all levels of messed up, and that's why we're talking about it."

The episode serves as a poignant critique of the current administration's approach to immigration, urging listeners to recognize the profound human costs and the need for political accountability.

Notable Quotes:

• Sam Stein (00:00):
  "We're pretty, pretty hot on a couple stories right now..."

• Adrian Carrascuelo (03:03):
  "Are there gang members that have a rainbow ribbon tattoo for autism awareness? I don't really think that violent criminals... have their little sort of ribbon..."

• Tim Miller (02:05):
  "These mistakes have been made in the past is that now no one cares and they're just shipping you to an El Salvador and black site. Right."

• Adrian Carrascuelo (14:49):
  "It's like Abu Ghraib... it's dehumanizing."

• Sam Stein (07:12):
  "I've not seen one Democrat actually impassion with passion argue that this is antithetical to American values."

• Sam Stein (14:55):
  "This is all levels of messed up, and that's why we're talking about it."

This episode of Bulwark Takes provides a comprehensive examination of the Trump administration's contentious immigration policies, emphasizing the urgent need for due process and the protection of American values against political expediency.