Illegal Immigrant Terror & Lowering Drug Prices | 6.4.25

Summary

Morning Wire Podcast Summary Episode: Illegal Immigrant Terror & Lowering Drug Prices | June 4, 2025

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Introduction In this episode of Morning Wire, Daily Wire Editor-in-Chief John Bickley and co-host Georgia Howe delve into pressing issues surrounding illegal immigration, national security, and pharmaceutical reforms. The discussion is enriched with insights from investigative reporters Spencer Lindquist and Amanda Presto Giacomo, as well as commentary from political figures like Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders.

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1. Crackdown on Illegal Immigration and National Security

Colorado Terror Suspect’s Family Arrested The episode opens with alarming news about the arrest of the family of a Colorado terror suspect by ICE. John Bickley announces, “The family of the Colorado terror suspect is arrested by ICE as the Trump administration rounds up 1,500 illegal immigrants in another sanctuary state” (00:04).

Enduring Immigration Enforcement Georgia Howe emphasizes the administration's relentless stance on immigration enforcement: “Make no mistake, ICE is gonna keep doing this” (00:13). This sentiment is echoed by Spencer Lindquist, who points out the potential for increased terror threats, stating, “They didn't want to be vetted... This scares the hell out of me” (02:03).

Expedited Removal Measures Daily Wire investigative reporter Mairead Elordi provides a detailed account of the rapid deportation process applied to Mohamed Solomon’s family. She explains, “They'll be rapidly deported without the need for a hearing” (02:31). John Bickley highlights the swift action taken by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who declared, “All terrorists, their family members and terrorist sympathizers here on a visa should know that under the Trump administration, we will find you. We will revoke your visa and deport you” (03:00).

Violent Crimes Committed by Illegal Aliens The conversation shifts to a tragic incident in South Carolina involving the murder of Larisha Thompson by a group of illegal aliens, including teenagers. Mairead Elordi reports, “Authorities have charged six illegal aliens ranging from just 13 years old to 21 years old” (03:30), highlighting the severe implications of lax immigration controls.

Massachusetts ICE Raid A significant ICE operation in Massachusetts resulted in the arrest of nearly 1,500 illegal aliens, over half with criminal records. Mairead Elordi notes, “Massachusetts sanctuary state policies force immigration enforcement agents to go into the community rather than to simply pick up illegal aliens at the jails” (04:10). Sarah Huckabee Sanders reinforces this by stating, “When jurisdictions don't cooperate with ICE... we are going to arrest them” (04:58).

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2. Legislative Actions to Lower Drug Prices in Arkansas

Governor Sanders' Landmark Law The podcast transitions to healthcare reforms in Arkansas, focusing on a groundbreaking law targeting Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs). Amanda Presto Giacomo explains the role of PBMs and the implications of the new legislation: “PBMs have really consolidated... they've been accused of inflating prices” (07:12).

Impact on Pharmaceutical Market She further elaborates, “We signed legislation first in the country to stop that practice. We want to protect the people that live in our state... They are over inflating prices and passing that inflation down to the consumer” (07:54). Governor Sanders adds, “This law intends to help small pharmacies keep their doors open” (09:06), addressing the struggle of independent pharmacies against large PBMs.

CVS Threatens to Exit Arkansas The introduction of this law prompted CVS to threaten the closure of all its 23 Arkansas locations. Amanda Giacomo criticizes CVS's priorities: “They would rather own the PBM than keep their pharmacy open and provide care to the patients” (09:41). Despite potential withdrawals, Amanda remains optimistic about the law's benefits: “We're optimistic that prices will come down... our local pharmacies will be able to keep their doors open” (09:21).

National Momentum for Reform Amanda highlights the broader impact, stating, “You're seeing Louisiana look at passing similar legislation, New York, Texas... This is not even a Republican or Democrat issue” (10:39). Governor Sanders expresses confidence that consumers will benefit from lower prescription drug prices by 2026 (11:04).

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3. FTC Investigation into Media Matters and Advertiser Collusion

Allegations of Anti-Conservative Censorship The episode sheds light on the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) probe into Media Matters and other groups for alleged antitrust violations through coordinated advertiser boycotts. Tom Homan explains, “The FTC is probing whether Media Matters and these other groups violated antitrust law” (11:40).

Executive Order Against Middlemen John Bickley references the new FTC chairman Andrew Ferguson’s commitment to addressing advertiser collusion: “Ferguson stressed that this is a free speech issue that applies to both the left and the right” (12:44). Georgia Howe adds, “This is a neutral principle... it's a real problem” (13:16), emphasizing the bipartisan nature of the issue.

Elon Musk’s Legal Battles The discussion highlights Elon Musk’s ongoing lawsuit against Media Matters, accusing them of attempting to boycott his platform X: “Musk sued Media Matters in 2023 over this exact issue” (13:57). This legal tussle underscores the tension between free speech advocates and media watchdog groups.

Implications for Free Speech Mairead Elordi critiques media moderation practices, questioning the balance between free speech and illegal content: “Moderation is a propaganda word for censorship... If it's not illegal, then we're putting our thumb on the scale and we're bringing censorship” (14:26).

Awaiting FTC’s Response The episode concludes with the acknowledgment that the FTC has not yet publicly commented on the investigations, leaving the outcome uncertain: “The FTC has not commented on the investigation publicly yet” (14:40).

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Conclusion Morning Wire provides a comprehensive examination of critical national issues, from stringent immigration enforcement under the Trump administration to innovative legislative efforts aimed at reducing prescription drug costs in Arkansas. Additionally, the podcast addresses emerging concerns about media censorship and advertiser collusion, highlighting ongoing legal battles that could shape the future of free speech online. Listeners are left informed and engaged with the latest developments that impact politics, culture, and everyday lives.

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Timestamps Reference

• 00:04: Opening announcement about Colorado terror suspect’s family arrest
• 00:13: Georgia Howe on ICE’s ongoing efforts
• 02:03: Discussion on border czar Tom Homan’s warnings
• 02:31: Mairead Elordi on Mohamed Solomon’s family deportation
• 03:00: Marco Rubio’s statements on terrorism
• 03:30: South Carolina murder case involving illegal aliens
• 04:10: Massachusetts ICE raid details
• 07:12: Amanda Giacomo on PBMs and Arkansas law
• 07:54: Explanation of PBMs’ market control
• 09:06: Governor Sanders on supporting small pharmacies
• 09:21: Optimism about drug price reductions
• 09:41: CVS’s potential exit from Arkansas
• 10:39: National adoption of PBM regulations
• 11:04: Anticipated benefits of Arkansas law
• 11:40: FTC investigation into Media Matters
• 12:44: Andrew Ferguson’s stance on free speech
• 13:16: Georgia Howe on advertiser collusion
• 13:57: Elon Musk’s lawsuit against Media Matters
• 14:26: Mairead Elordi on censorship vs. free speech
• 14:40: FTC’s lack of public comments

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Transcript

[John Bickley]

The family of the Colorado terror suspect is arrested by ICE as the Trump administration rounds up 1500 illegal immigrants in another sanctuary state.

[Georgia Howe]

Make no mistake, ICE is gonna keep doing this.

[John Bickley]

I'm Daily Wire executive editor John Bickley with Georgia Howe. It's Wednesday, June 4th, and this is Morning Wire.

[Spencer Lindquist]

Drug giant CVS could be closing all of its stores in Arkansas due a first in the nation law targeting pharmaceutical middlemen.

[Amanda Presto Giacomo]

You have these multibillion dollar companies who have taken advantage of lax regulations and abused the system for too long, and we're not going to allow that in Arkansas anymore.

[John Bickley]

And the FTC probes whether a dozen major advertising and watchdog groups illegally coordinated to blacklist platforms.

[Mairead Elordi]

Media Matters is an evil propaganda machine. They can go to hell.

[Spencer Lindquist]

Thanks for waking up with Morning Wire. Stay tuned. We have the news you to know.

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[Georgia Howe]

They didn't want to be vetted.

[Tom Homan]

They didn't want to be fingerprinted.

[Mairead Elordi]

Why?

[Georgia Howe]

This scares the hell out of me.

[Spencer Lindquist]

That was border czar Tom Homan on Fox warning about the potential for more 9, 11 level terror attacks. Meanwhile, ICE has arrested the family of the Colorado terrorist suspect.

[John Bickley]

Here to discuss the latest immigration news is Daily Wire investigative reporter Spencer Lindquist. Spencer, a lot going on on the immigration front, including related to the Colorado border suspect and his family. Tell us about that.

[Mairead Elordi]

So this is an example of just how serious the Trump administration is of deporting people who are in this country illegally, particularly those who pose A threat to others. Senior Homeland Security officials told Bill Malugian of Fox on Tuesday that ICE and Homeland Security investigators have arrested the immediate family of the Boulder terror suspect Mohamed Solomon. Sources say the family is being processed for expedited removal. That means they'll be rapidly deported without the need for a hearing.

[John Bickley]

And this follows a very strong statement from Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

[Mairead Elordi]

Correct? Yeah, exactly. So he vowed just a day after this attack, which was against pro Israel demonstrators in Boulder, Colorado, that the administration would do exactly what it's doing right now with Solomon's family. He said, quote, all terrorists, their family members and terrorist sympathizers here on a visa should know that under the Trump administration, we will find you. We will revoke your visa and, and deport you.

[John Bickley]

And now Solomon's family is on their way out of the country. That happened very fast. Now we have tragic news from another state, South Carolina. What happened in this situation?

[Mairead Elordi]

This is a horrific and senseless crime. In South Carolina, a group of illegal aliens, including teenagers, were recently arrested in connection with the murder of a woman. Her name was Larisha Thompson, and she was from Lancaster County, South Carolina. She was driving down the road when another car pulled up next to her, shot under a vehicle and struck and killed her. Authorities have charged six illegal aliens ranging from just 13 years old to 21 years old. The six illegal aliens have been charged with murder, attempted armed robbery and second degree burglary.

[John Bickley]

As you said, just senseless, needless violence there. Now, we noted at the top of the show, ICE conducted a major raid in Massachusetts. Hundreds of people arrested. What happened there?

[Mairead Elordi]

So this operation resulted in the arrest of nearly 1,500 illegal aliens. Of those arrested, 790 illegal aliens, more than half of them had criminal records or pending charges. Patricia Hyde, the acting Director of the Enforcement and Removal Operations, Boston Field office, explained that Massachusetts sanctuary state policies force immigration enforcement agents to go into the community rather than to simply pick up illegal aliens at the jails. ICE agents often find more illegal aliens in the process of searching for specific targets. Here's Hyde at a press conference. Following the operations, sanctuary policies put us.

[Sarah Huckabee Sanders]

In a position to go out into communities and look for people. When jurisdictions don't cooperate with ICE and we don't put, we don't arrest people custodial in custodial arrests, then we must.

[Mairead Elordi]

Go out into the community.

[Sarah Huckabee Sanders]

And when we go out into the.

[Mairead Elordi]

Community and we find others who are.

[Sarah Huckabee Sanders]

Unlawfully here, we are going to arrest them. We've been completely transparent with that.

[Mairead Elordi]

And a special agent with Homeland Security Investigations said that the federal law enforcement agents are going to continue finding and capturing illegal aliens.

[Georgia Howe]

HSI special agents will continue a whole of government approach to take the fight to transnational criminal actors and organizations who poison our communities, who exploit and victimize our children, who defraud our citizens and government systems, who illegally harbor and employ aliens, who perpetrate violence.

[John Bickley]

With the Trump administration even more motivated than ever to remove these threats. Spencer, thanks so much for thank you.

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[John Bickley]

Wire a first in the nation law takes on pharmacy benefit managers PBMs are the drug middlemen both sides of the aisle have blamed for inflating prescription drug prices.

[Spencer Lindquist]

Here to discuss is Daily Wire reporter Amanda Presto Giacomo. So Amanda, CVS is threatening to completely leave Arkansas over this law. First, though, can you briefly explain the role of PBMS and what this law actually would do?

[Amanda Presto Giacomo]

Yeah.

[Sarah Huckabee Sanders]

So PBMs act as middlemen between drug manufacturers, insurance companies and pharmacies, and by extension, patients. They negotiate with drug companies and they reimburse pharmacies for filling prescriptions. In theory, they're supposed to lower costs for Americans. However, over the last decade or so, PBMS have really consolidated. Now There are just three companies overseeing prescriptions for more than 270 million Americans. They've been accused by both Republicans and Democrats of inflating Prices for their own benefit and driving small pharmacies out of business across the country. This new law bans PBMs from holding permits for prescription drug sales in Arkansas. I spoke to Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders about all of this, and here's why she thinks this legislation is necessary.

[Amanda Presto Giacomo]

What was happening is you have these pharmaceutical companies, they're supposed to use PBMs to negotiate better drug prices, work between the insurance companies and the pharmacies. But what was actually happening is the pharmacies were buying the PBMs and completely controlling and monopolizing the market. We call them drug middlemen because that's exactly what they are. They're over inflating prices and passing that inflation down to the consumer. And in Arkansas, I'm proud of the fact that we signed legislation first in the country to stop that practice. We want to protect the people that live in our state. We want to make sure they have access to critical care, but that they're not overpaying for it. You had three of the largest PBMs in the country. Country controlling 80% of the pharmaceutical market. Completely control allows them to charge more.

[Sarah Huckabee Sanders]

Now, Sanders also stressed that this law intends to help small pharmacies keep their doors open. This is a major issue in Arkansas and other states, too. Since PBMs are notorious for lowballing these small, independent pharmacies.

[Amanda Presto Giacomo]

We're optimistic that prices will come down not only in our state, but also that our local pharmacies will be able to keep their doors open, which was another big priority for us, so that people in rural communities don't lose that access to care.

[Sarah Huckabee Sanders]

This law garnered a lot of attention last month when CVS said that they might have to close all 23 of their locations in Arkansas. CVS owns one of the big three PBMs. It's called Caremark Rx. Again, this Arkansas law will revoke permits for pharmacies affiliated with PBMs. I asked the governor about this pushback. Here's how she responded.

[Amanda Presto Giacomo]

It shows where their priorities are. They would rather own the PBM than keep their pharmacy open and provide care to the patients they claim to care about. Look, I'm all for private industry making money, but not on the backs of the people who that really need access to care, really need access to some of these specialty drugs that they're inflating the market on. And so we have a number of other pharmacies that I know will be happy to step up and take CVS's place if they decide to take their ball and go home. But we can't allow them to manipulate and control the market simply so that they keep a few stores in our state open.

[Sarah Huckabee Sanders]

Now, about A month after Governor Sanders signed this into law, President Donald Trump targeted PBMs with an executive order. That order encourages direct consumer purchases, cutting out these middlemen, and it mandates more transparency for their pricing. Sanders said that this momentum is building across the country.

[Amanda Presto Giacomo]

I think the big thing here is that this isn't just going to be something that takes place in Arkansas. You're seeing Louisiana look at passing similar legislation, New York, Texas, other states all over the country. It's not even a Republican or Democrat issue. This is something that I think a lot of governors as well as this president are recognizing and actually taking action on something that's been needed for a long time.

[Sarah Huckabee Sanders]

Sanders told me that she's optimistic consumers are going to have more access and lower prices for prescription drugs once this law goes into effect in 2026.

[Spencer Lindquist]

All right, well, we'll keep our eye on Arkansas. Amanda, thanks for reporting.

[Sarah Huckabee Sanders]

You're welcome.

[Spencer Lindquist]

The Federal Trade Commission is investigating Media Matters and about a dozen other groups for allegedly getting advertisers to boycott social media platforms over hateful content.

[John Bickley]

Recently, many advertisers have slashed their spending on platforms like X. Daily Wire investigative reporter Mairead Elordi is here with the details. Hey, Marade. So tell us about these investigations.

[Tom Homan]

Hi, John. Yes. So the FTC is probing whether Media Matters and these other groups violated antitrust law by mobilizing advertisers to boycott platforms like X, supposedly because they didn't want their ads next to controversial content. Media Matters has been publishing research about hateful content on X. Another group the FTC is targeting is Ad Fontes Media. This is a media watchdog that rates media outlets biases. The FTC told Ad Fontes it's being investigated for possible collusion. Some of the groups that are under investigation help brands pick where to place ads across the Internet. And some of the groups call out so called hateful content online. This is what Media Matters has been doing. More than a dozen groups are under investigation and lawyers for the group said the FTC requested broad information about their business practices.

[John Bickley]

Now, this comes after the new FTC chairman promised to go on the attack against the censorship of conservatives online, correct?

[Tom Homan]

Yes, that's right. Andrew Ferguson is the FTC's new chairman and he promised to crack down on this very issue, which he calls advertiser collusion. Here's Ferguson talking about this last week.

[Georgia Howe]

If you've got an idea and you want the world to know it. You need eyeballs and part of the way. And in order to keep your ideas going, you need to be paid to speak them. And newspapers are part of how we used to do it. Books are still and still. And books are still how we do it. But part of it is you talk online and advertisers advertise next to what you you're saying, and you can make money off of that. But if advertisers are getting into a back room somewhere and they're all agreeing not going to advertise next to that guy's speech. Right. That is a real problem. And it is the form of concerted refusal to deal that the antitrust laws have long prohibited.

[Tom Homan]

Ferguson stressed that this is a free speech issue that applies to both the left and the right.

[Georgia Howe]

You know, my progressive opponents say, oh, he's just out to protect conservative speech. And yes, I do think conservatives have been singled out by these platforms, but this is a neutral principle. I don't think that anyone on the left would be comfortable with the idea of a bunch of large businesses getting into a back room and being like, hey, whenever anyone says anything favorable about abortion, we're not advertising next to that. Right. I don't think that my friends on the left would like that any more than my friends on the right dislike the idea that such collusion could be affecting their speech.

[John Bickley]

Now, going back to Media Matters, who you mentioned, Elon Musk has been tangling with them for a while, correct?

[Tom Homan]

That's right. Musk sued Media Matters in 2023 over this exact issue. He accused Media Matters of trying to get advertisers to stop buying ads on X. And that lawsuit is still ongoing. And last year, Musk sued other groups like the ones the FTC is targeting. Watchdog groups, advertising groups, and even certain brands, accusing them of trying to get advertisers to boycott X. As we know, too, Musk has long defended X's free speech policies. Here's Musk tangling with Don Lemon over censorship on X last year.

[Mairead Elordi]

Moderation is a propaganda word for censorship. But don't you think free speech is one thing, right or not? You know, look, if something's illegal, we're going to take it down. If it's not illegal, then we're putting our thumb on the scale and we're bringing censors.

[Tom Homan]

And as a last note, the FTC has not commented on the investigation publicly yet, so we'll have to wait for more information on that front.

[John Bickley]

Well, the advertiser front is a new one for the conservatives censorship issue. So we'll be watching this one very closely. Marie, thanks for reporting.

[Tom Homan]

Thanks, John.

[Spencer Lindquist]

Thanks for waking up with us. And if you're watching on YouTube, don't forget to like and subscribe. We'll be back tomorrow with the news you need to know.