Morning Wire: Colony Ridge Arrests & Inmate Gets New Trial | Afternoon Update | 02.25.25

Released on February 25, 2025

Hosts: John Bickley (Editor-in-Chief, The Daily Wire) and Georgia Howe
Reporting: Spencer Lindquist, Tom Homan, Cabot Phillips, Tim Rice

1. Colony Ridge ICE Raid Results in Dozens of Arrests

The episode opens with a detailed report on the recent ICE operation at Colony Ridge, Texas. Spencer Lindquist covers the arrest of approximately 90 illegal immigrants during the raid.

Tom Homan, Border Czar, explains the severity of the operation:

"The rate of the Colony Ridge development in Texas resulted in the capture of roughly 90 illegal aliens. Criminals and violent child sex offenders were among those arrested."
(00:45)

An unnamed border official adds depth to the narrative:

"There were several sexual predators arrested for misconduct with a child, including one convicted of homicide."
(01:03)

Homan further elaborates on the incident involving a member of the MS-13 gang:

"One of the individuals captured was deported seven times and allegedly stabbed and killed a man before a seven-hour manhunt led to his arrest."
(01:26)

The operation is deemed "phase one," suggesting more raids are forthcoming, highlighting the ongoing efforts to combat illegal immigration and associated crimes.

2. House Budget Plan and Trump's Tax Cuts

John Bickley introduces a significant development in the House of Representatives: a massive budget plan aimed at extending Trump's tax cuts.

Cabot Phillips, Senior Editor, provides insights into the legislative process:

"The GOP's sprawling budget resolution cleared the House Rules Committee late Monday along party lines, setting up a chamber-wide vote possibly as early as this evening."
(01:38)

Speaker Mike Johnson discusses the challenges faced:

"I can only afford to lose one Republican vote without any Democratic support. But I remain optimistic."
(02:16)

An unnamed GOP Representative emphasizes the need for fiscal responsibility:

"We have to change the trajectory of ballooning deficits. We are going to make a big course correction in this process."
(02:37)

The proposed bill encompasses $4.5 trillion to extend tax cuts and increase spending on border security and defense, while seeking up to $2 trillion in cuts elsewhere, including potential reductions in Medicaid. This comprehensive budget reflects the GOP's strategic priorities and fiscal stance.

3. Introduction of the No Rogue Rulings Act (NORA)

Spencer Lindquist reports on a new legislative effort to curb judicial overreach.

GOP Congressman Darrell Issa has introduced the No Rogue Rulings Act (NORA), aiming to limit federal judges' ability to block presidential policies.

Issa asserts:

"With over 50 lawsuits since Trump's return to office, this bill is much needed to address what we call judicial tyranny."
(02:49)

The bill garners substantial Republican support, positioning itself as a critical measure to reinforce executive authority and reduce judicial interference in executive actions.

4. Federal Employees Face New Accountability Measures

The podcast highlights a new directive targeting federal employees' performance.

Tim Rice, Deputy Managing Editor, explains the situation:

"The Department of Government Efficiency set a Monday deadline for workers to report their five accomplishments, now extending the deadline at President Trump's discretion."
(03:22)

Initially deemed voluntary by the Office of Personnel Management, the directive under Elon Musk's leadership asserts that non-compliance may be interpreted as resignation. President Trump defends the initiative as a strategy to eliminate government waste, stating,

"If people don't respond, maybe they're not working."
(03:32)

This move signifies a stringent approach to federal workforce accountability, emphasizing results and efficiency.

5. Anti-ICE Activists Dox ICE Agents in Southern California

Spencer Lindquist reports on escalating tensions between anti-ICE groups and federal authorities.

An activist group has placed posters in Southern California that publicly display ICE agents' personal information, accusing them of terrorizing immigrants. The posters, written in Spanish, include names, photos, and phone numbers of the agents.

Federal authorities warn against such actions:

"Identifying agents is dangerous and puts ICE and Homeland Security agents at risk. Activists are protecting criminal gangs and will be held accountable."
(04:19)

The FBI emphasizes that interfering with law enforcement operations could result in prosecution, highlighting the federal government's stance on protecting its agents from harassment and threats.

6. Supreme Court Grants New Trial to Oklahoma Death Row Inmate Richard Glossip

A landmark judicial decision is covered by John Bickley, focusing on the case of Richard Glossip.

Justice Sonia Sotomayor, writing for the majority, stated:

"Prosecutors failed to correct false testimony from their key witness, violating Glossip's due process rights."
(04:50)

Richard Glossip, convicted in 2004 for orchestrating his employer’s murder, saw his conviction questioned by two independent investigations that cast doubt on his guilt. The ruling by the Supreme Court mandates a new trial, providing Glossip another opportunity to contest his conviction and seek exoneration.

7. Vivek Ramaswamy Enters Ohio Governor Race

Spencer Lindquist covers the entry of businessman and former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy into the gubernatorial race in Ohio.

Ramaswamy declares:

"I will lead Ohio to be the top state in the country where patriots across America actually flock to, instead of Florida and Texas."
(05:30)

A strong Trump supporter, Ramaswamy has secured the former president's endorsement. He joins a competitive field alongside Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and former Health Director Amy Acton. Ramaswamy aims to reshape Ohio as a beacon of excellence, leveraging his political experience and Trumpian backing to appeal to voters seeking effective leadership.

8. Changes to White House Press Access Announced

John Bickley discusses significant alterations to White House press operations.

White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt announces:

"We are going to give the power back to the people who read your papers, watch your television shows, and listen to your radio stations. Moving forward, the White House press pool will be determined by the White House press team."
(06:07)

This shift departs from the traditional role of the White House Correspondent Association in selecting the press pool, which has been criticized as a threat to press independence. The change follows a court ruling upholding the administration's decision to exclude the Associated Press from the press pool—a move initially instated by President Trump over reporting disputes regarding the Gulf of Mexico.

Conclusion

In this episode of Morning Wire's Afternoon Update, John Bickley and Georgia Howe, supported by reports from Spencer Lindquist and others, deliver comprehensive coverage on critical issues ranging from immigration enforcement and legislative developments to judicial decisions and political campaigns. The hosts emphasize the importance of facts and accountability, presenting a perspective aligned with The Daily Wire’s commitment to straightforward news delivery.

For more in-depth coverage of these stories, visit dailywire.com.