Summary of NPR’s Consider This Episode: "Is Trump's Immigration Bet Working?"

Release Date: June 11, 2025
Host: Mary Louise Kelly
Title: Is Trump's Immigration Bet Working?

In this episode of NPR’s Consider This, host Mary Louise Kelly delves into the contentious and highly debated immigration policies under President Donald Trump, particularly focusing on the recent events in Los Angeles. The discussion encompasses the administration’s strategies, the responses from California’s leadership, and expert analysis on the effectiveness and repercussions of these measures.

Trump's Enforcement of Immigration Laws

The episode begins with a statement from White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to carrying out what she describes as "the largest mass deportation campaign in American history" (00:07). Levitt asserts that "left wing riots will not deter him in that effort" (00:07), highlighting the administration’s determination to enforce stringent immigration laws despite public unrest.

Mary Louise Kelly notes that recent polls indicate a significant portion of Americans trust the Republican Party more to handle immigration. A CBS poll cited in the episode reveals that 54% of respondents approve of Trump’s deportation policies (00:16). However, Kelly points out that Trump is taking a substantial risk by escalating his immigration enforcement, including the mobilization of National Guard and active-duty troops in Los Angeles—moves that local authorities deemed unnecessary.

Governor Newsom's Opposition

California Governor Gavin Newsom offers a strong counter-narrative to the federal administration’s actions. In a primetime address, Newsom criticizes the deployment of over 700 active U.S. Marines, stating, “These are the men and women trained for foreign combat, not domestic law enforcement. We honor their service, we honor their bravery. But we do not want our streets militarized by our own armed forces” (00:48).

Governor Newsom further accuses the Trump administration of targeting innocent civilians, including a U.S. citizen who was nine months pregnant and a four-year-old girl, leading to family separations and community trauma (01:21). He condemns the federal actions as “unsafe and illegal” and argues that the administration’s policies are "traumatizing our communities" rather than protecting them (01:47).

Impact on Communities and Law Enforcement

The heavy-handed approach by the Trump administration has sparked significant tension within Los Angeles. Governor Newsom highlights instances of non-criminal individuals being swept up in immigration raids, causing distress and fear among residents. This has led to a broader debate about the balance between law enforcement and community safety.

Mary Louise Kelly introduces the segment by stating, “Trump is doubling down in Los Angeles,” setting the stage for an in-depth analysis of the situation’s effectiveness and broader implications.

Expert Analysis: Simon Hankinson of the Heritage Foundation

To provide a conservative perspective on the immigration enforcement in Los Angeles, Mary Louise Kelly interviews Simon Hankinson, a senior research fellow at the Heritage Foundation’s Border Security and Immigration Center. Hankinson offers a nuanced view of the current situation:

• Effectiveness of Enforcement: Hankinson suggests that the increased enforcement is "going well on the whole" (05:03). He believes that the Trump administration’s actions were predictable responses to years of neglected immigration laws, which inevitably led to public demonstrations and unrest in major cities like Los Angeles (03:47).

• Political Obstacles: He acknowledges that the administration faces political resistance from states like California, which complicates the enforcement process. However, Hankinson defends the use of active-duty military personnel, stating, “I think it's justified when you have a threat to federal property... and local authorities are unwilling to keep the peace and protect lives” (05:56).

• Comparisons to Previous Protests: Referencing the 2020 protests following George Floyd’s death, Hankinson draws parallels to emphasize that federal intervention can prevent similar chaos. He argues that without a federal presence, local authorities might be less proactive in enforcing laws, potentially leading to more extensive property damage and unrest (06:38).

• Strategic vs. Tactical Victories: Hankinson distinguishes between tactical and strategic victories. A tactical victory would involve preventing riots and maintaining order without extensive property damage, while a strategic victory entails the effective enforcement of immigration laws without public dissent (07:08). He posits that the current efforts in Los Angeles demonstrate both types of victories by curbing large-scale unrest and reinforcing federal immigration policies.

Community and Law Enforcement Reactions

Local law enforcement in Los Angeles has reported over 200 arrests and the implementation of curfews in an attempt to mitigate unrest. However, Governor Newsom remains critical, emphasizing that the federal administration’s actions are more about political posturing than genuine community safety.

Simon Hankinson counters by suggesting that the presence of federal troops has led to quicker crackdowns and more effective law enforcement, preventing the escalation of protests into violent confrontations (06:38).

Conclusion

The episode concludes with a reflection on the multifaceted impact of Trump’s immigration policies in Los Angeles. While the administration claims success in enforcing immigration laws and preventing unrest, critics like Governor Newsom highlight the adverse effects on innocent communities and the militarization of local streets. Expert analysis from Simon Hankinson suggests that, despite political obstacles, the federal government’s actions have been effective in maintaining order and advancing immigration enforcement objectives.

Mary Louise Kelly wraps up the discussion by acknowledging the complexity of the issue and the high stakes of Trump’s immigration strategies, leaving listeners to ponder whether this bold bet will ultimately pay off for the administration and the nation.

Notable Quotes

• Mary Louise Kelly (00:00): “The White House message on what's happening in Los Angeles is simple. This is what President Trump was elected to do.”

• Caroline Levitt (00:07): “Left wing riots will not deter him in that effort.”

• Gavin Newsom (00:48): “We do not want our streets militarized by our own armed forces.”

• Simon Hankinson (05:56): “I think it's justified when you have a threat to federal property.”

• Gavin Newsom (01:47): “Donald Trump's government isn't protecting our communities. They're traumatizing our communities.”

This comprehensive examination presented in Consider This offers listeners a thorough understanding of the ongoing immigration debate, illuminating the perspectives of both federal authorities and state leaders, alongside expert analysis on the broader implications for American society.