Morning Wire Podcast Summary Episode: How Sanctuary Policies Led to LA Riots | 6.14.25
Release Date: June 14, 2025
Hosts: John Bickler & Georgia Howell
Guest: Hannah Davis, Policy Analyst at the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR)

Introduction

In the June 14, 2025 episode of Morning Wire, hosts John Bickler and Georgia Howell delve into the contentious issue of sanctuary policies and their role in the recent Los Angeles riots. Joined by Hannah Davis, a Policy Analyst at FAIR, the discussion explores the proliferation of sanctuary jurisdictions, their impact on public safety and national security, and the political and legal battles surrounding them.

Understanding Sanctuary Jurisdictions

Georgia Howell initiates the conversation by defining sanctuary jurisdictions:

“At the root of it, a sanctuary jurisdiction is going to obstruct federal immigration agencies from enforcing federal immigration law. And so that can be seen in a plethora of ways, namely not honoring ICE detainers or ensuring that ICE agents aren't allowed into a jail system or courthouse, or instructing local law enforcement to not communicate with ICE agencies. And California is particularly egregious. They have a statewide policy and then multiple counties and cities have anti have sanctuary policies in place that are anti cooperation with ICE agents.”
[02:42]

Hannah Davis elaborates on how these policies hinder federal efforts:

“If LA didn't have sanctuary policies, immigration officials would be able to, in a controlled environment, go into the jail system in California and obtain the criminal illegal alien that they're seeking. But because they have sanctuary policies, they have to risk their lives and do very dangerous raids and sweeps...”
[03:31]

Impact on Public Safety and National Security

The discussion shifts to the tangible effects of sanctuary policies on community safety:

Georgia Howell highlights the dangers posed to ICE agents:

“They have to risk their lives and do very dangerous raids and sweeps, which a lot of times have a lot of negative media feedback in it. And it goes to a security issue where we're seeing right now in LA and across the nation. ... it really does put the lives of ICE agents in danger.”
[03:31]

The hosts and guest examine how these policies exacerbate tensions and lead to violence, as seen in recent riots and protests.

Political Debate: Blame and Responsibility

A heated debate unfolds over who is responsible for escalating tensions:

Hannah Davis argues that sanctuary policies are the root cause:

“...the Trump administration is using military force to assist ICE and to assist local police officers. They're overwhelmed. And that's going to probably continue to happen. And it's only because of sanctuary policies that are already in place that we're seeing the results of them.”
[04:47]

This perspective counters the Democratic stance, which places blame on ICE for aggressive enforcement tactics.

Growth of Sanctuary Jurisdictions

The episode examines the rapid increase in sanctuary jurisdictions:

Georgia Howell provides alarming statistics:

“Back in 2018 was when FAIR did its last report, and we found a little over 550. So it's been a few years, but as of May of 2025, we found 1,003 sanctuary jurisdictions across the US...”
[05:44]

She traces the movement's evolution from protecting noncitizens reporting crimes without fear of deportation to opposing federal immigration enforcement more broadly.

Legal and Leadership Challenges

The conversation turns to the legal battles and the need for strong leadership to dismantle sanctuary policies:

Hannah Davis emphasizes the supremacy of federal law:

“Federal law makes it very clear the law of the land takes precedent over any conflicting state or local policy, including immigration policy.”
[06:34]

Georgia Howell advocates for state and federal action:

“States need to use our report to track these jurisdictions and to go after them to enact anti sanctuary policy at the statewide level, to actually put enforcement mechanisms in their policies, to put teeth in them.”
[07:43]

She cites Indiana as a model, where state authorities successfully pressured jurisdictions to abandon sanctuary policies.

Correlation Between Sanctuary Policies and Crime Rates

Addressing the link between sanctuary policies and increased crime, Georgia Howell states:

“States that tend to have high population of illegal aliens does correlate to crime. ... they have a higher population and with a higher population comes higher crime.”
[09:46]

She argues that sanctuary policies create environments where illegal immigrants may feel emboldened to commit crimes without fear of deportation.

Case Study: Tennessee's Struggle with Sanctuary Policies

The episode explores Tennessee's challenges in enforcing anti-sanctuary laws despite being a conservative state:

Georgia Howell discusses ongoing efforts to eliminate sanctuary jurisdictions in Tennessee:

“Marsha Blackburn, Senator Blackburn is breathing down the neck of the Nashville mayor's noncompliance. She's called on the DOJ to openly investigate him for doxxing ICE agents and releasing their information publicly.”
[10:58]

She remains optimistic, noting that sustained pressure and legislative action could significantly reduce the number of sanctuary jurisdictions:

“They've got senators cracking down on mayors. And I think by the next time FAIR has one of these reports, Tennessee might not even be on the list...”
[11:23]

Conclusion

The episode concludes with a call to action for stronger leadership and enforcement of anti-sanctuary policies to enhance public safety and uphold federal law. Hosts John Bickler and Georgia Howell, alongside guest Hannah Davis, underscore the critical need to address the challenges posed by sanctuary jurisdictions to prevent further civil unrest and ensure national security.

Notable Quotes:

• "States need to use our report to track these jurisdictions and to go after them to enact anti sanctuary policy at the statewide level, to actually put enforcement mechanisms in their policies, to put teeth in them."
  — Georgia Howell [07:43]

• "Federal law makes it very clear the law of the land takes precedent over any conflicting state or local policy, including immigration policy."
  — Hannah Davis [06:34]

• "They have to risk their lives and do very dangerous raids and sweeps, which a lot of times have a lot of negative media feedback in it."
  — Hannah Davis [03:31]

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