Israel Expands Offensive & Abrego-Garcia Abandoned? | 6.17.25

Summary

Morning Wire Podcast Summary: June 17, 2025

Episode Title: Israel Expands Offensive & Abrego-Garcia Abandoned?
Hosts: John Bickley & Georgia Howe
Release Date: June 17, 2025

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1. Escalation of the Israel-Iran Conflict

The podcast opens with a significant escalation in the longstanding conflict between Israel and Iran. Georgia Howe announces, “[00:04] Israel strikes Tehran as the deadly clash moves into its fifth day, leaving Iran scrambling.” John Bickley emphasizes the urgency of the situation, stating at [00:09], “Iran is not winning this war and they should talk and they should talk immediately before it's too late.”

Details of the Escalation:

• Cabot Phillips reports that President Trump has intensified deportation efforts amid rising anti-ICE protests and riots in Democratic-run cities ([00:31]).
• Amanda Presa Giacomo elaborates on the military developments, highlighting that Monday witnessed the most intense fighting since the war's onset. Both nations targeted not only military sites but also energy facilities. Notable incidents include Iran's successful strike on an Israeli oil refinery in Haifa and Israel's multiple strikes on Iranian natural gas and oil refineries, including significant damage to Tehran's largest fuel depot and an attack on Iran's state-sponsored TV network ([02:07]).

Military Dynamics:

• Iran launched nearly 400 missiles and drones, though only a few dozen bypassed Israeli defenses, resulting in 24 deaths and over 600 injuries ([02:14]).
• Israel has achieved near-total air superiority, dismantling a third of Iran’s missile launchers and numerous surface-to-air missile facilities ([02:14]).
• Prime Minister Netanyahu has declared the operation will continue until Iran’s nuclear facilities are entirely destroyed, a mission that may require considerable time ([02:14]).

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2. U.S. Political Response to the Conflict

The podcast delves into the United States' stance under President Trump’s administration regarding the Israel-Iran conflict.

Trump’s Position and Actions:

• President Trump posted on Truth Social, “[03:52] 'Iran should have signed the deal I told them to sign. What a shame and waste of human life. Simply stated, Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran. Almost immediately.'”
• He convened a late-night National Security Council meeting, raising speculations of a potential attack, although a White House spokesperson clarified that “[03:52] American forces are maintaining their defensive posture. And that has not changed.”
• During a G7 summit in Canada, Trump refused to endorse a joint statement urging de-escalation, reinforcing his support for Israel’s aggressive stance ([03:52]).

Expert Insights:

• Dr. Jordan B. Peterson provides analysis, suggesting that while Israel may desire U.S. involvement in bombing the Fordow uranium enrichment site, he does not anticipate such action, attributing it to Trump’s inclination towards restraint ([05:17]).

Potential for Regime Change:

• While Israel officially denies seeking regime change, discussions hint at the possibility. Dr. Peterson argues that Israel lacks the capacity for ground-level regime change but acknowledges internal opposition within Iran ([05:55]).
• Despite Iran's willingness to de-escalate, Israel dismisses ceasefires as mere opportunities to regroup and complete nuclear advancements ([06:30]).

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3. Trump’s Immigration Policies Amid Anti-ICE Protests

The episode transitions to domestic issues, focusing on President Trump’s intensified deportation measures amidst widespread anti-ICE protests in Democratic strongholds.

Deportation Efforts:

• Trump is accelerating deportations in cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York, targeting areas with strong sanctuary policies. He declared, “[07:51] 'Our farmers are being hurt badly by, you know, they have very good workers. They've worked for them for 20 years. They're not citizens, but they've turned out to be, you know, great. And we're going to have to do something about that.'” ([10:00])
• The administration has halted immigration raids in critical industries such as farms, hotels, and leisure businesses to prevent destabilizing the food supply, following warnings from the Department of Agriculture ([10:40]).

Responses and Controversies:

• Mairead Elordi reports varying reactions, noting that while some conservatives view the pause as de facto amnesty, others defend Trump’s pragmatic approach prioritizing critical deportations ([11:37]).
• Democrats have employed strong rhetoric against ICE, with figures like Governor Tim Walls and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez comparing ICE agents to Nazis and calling detention facilities "concentration camps" ([10:14], [10:30]).
• Trump has publicly supported ICE agents, condemning the violence and harassment they face during anti-ICE riots ([09:28]).

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4. The Kilmar Abrego Garcia Case Abandoned by Democrats

A significant focus is placed on the legal troubles of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an illegal immigrant whose case has drawn national attention.

Case Overview:

• Tom Papert outlines that Garcia, an illegal migrant from El Salvador, pled not guilty to smuggling charges in Nashville ([12:21]).
• The case revolves around a 2022 traffic stop in Tennessee where Garcia was found driving a vehicle with nine individuals, including a 15-year-old boy. If convicted, Garcia faces severe penalties, including up to 10 years in prison per smuggled individual and hefty fines ([12:21]).

Democratic Abandonment:

• Senator Chris Van Hollen and several House Democrats, who had previously supported Garcia during his time in El Salvador, failed to attend his arraignment ([13:39]).
• Dr. Paul Ray criticizes Democratic inaction, highlighting that despite previous support efforts abroad, they have not invested in his defense domestically ([13:13]).

Recent Developments:

• New allegations emerged during Garcia’s six-hour arraignment, including claims of soliciting nude photos from a minor and transporting a 15-year-old boy whose whereabouts remain unknown. Garcia’s lawyers have not denied the presence of the child but argue the difficulty in verifying his age due to misinformation from other illegal immigrants ([14:19]).
• The next steps involve determining whether Garcia will remain in federal custody or be transferred to ICE, with expectations firmly leaning towards continued detention ([15:10]).
• Tom Papert notes that Judge Waverly Crenshaw, an Obama appointee, is overseeing the case, adding an element of uncertainty regarding its impartiality ([15:10]).

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5. Concluding Insights

The Morning Wire episode provides a comprehensive overview of critical international and domestic issues. From the intense military engagements between Israel and Iran to the contentious immigration policies under President Trump, the podcast delivers nuanced discussions enriched with expert opinions and firsthand reports. The abandonment of Kilmar Abrego Garcia by key Democratic figures further underscores the polarization and challenges within U.S. immigration debates.

Notable quotes throughout the episode capture the gravity and complexity of these issues, ensuring listeners are well-informed on the latest developments shaping both global tensions and national policies.

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For more detailed discussions and updates, subscribe to Morning Wire on your preferred podcast platform.

Transcript

[Georgia Howe]

Israel strikes Tehran as the deadly clash moves into its fifth day, leaving Iran scrambling.

[John Bickley]

I say Iran is not winning this war and they should talk and they should talk immediately before it's too late.

[Georgia Howe]

I'm Georgia Howe with Daily Wire executive editor John BICKLEY. It's Tuesday, June 17th, and this is Morning Wire.

[Cabot Phillips]

President Trump doubles down on deportations amid the spread of anti ice protests and riots.

[John Bickley]

All blue cities, all Democrat run cities and they think they're going to use them to vote. It's not going to happen.

[Georgia Howe]

And did Democrats abandon the so called Maryland father they once championed? We have the latest on Kilmar Abrego Garcia.

[Dr. Paul Ray]

There is absolutely, from my understanding, zero prospect of Kilmar Abrego Garcia being released onto the streets of Tennessee, to the streets of Maryland or anywhere in between.

[Cabot Phillips]

Thanks for waking up with MORNING wire. Stay tuned. We have the news you need to know.

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[Cabot Phillips]

The war between Israel and Iran continued to escalate Monday as the Jewish state looks to dismantle Iran's nuclear program.

[Georgia Howe]

Daily Wire senior editor Cabot Phillips is here with the latest on the conflict. So, Cabot, quite an eventful past 24 hours. Where do things stand now?

[Amanda Presa Giacomo]

Yeah, Monday saw the most intense fighting since this war began, as the two sides began targeting not just military sites but also energy facilities. Iran, for example, successfully struck an Israeli oil refinery in Haifa, while the Israelis targeted multiple natural gas and oil refineries throughout Iran. One of those strikes caused major damage to Tehran's largest fuel depot. Another strike Monday targeted Iran's state sponsored TV network. In stunning live footage, a newscaster can be seen running from her desk as debris falls around her. For their part, Iran has so far launched nearly 400 missiles and drones, though only a few dozen have made it past Israeli air defenses. Those strikes, most of which have targeted civilian areas, have reportedly killed 24 people and injured more than 600. But there's no doubt that Israel is so far having much more success, mainly because they've achieved near total control of Iran's airspace. They were able to quickly knock out the country's air defenses, including a third of their missile launchers so far and dozens of surface to air missile facilities. That air superiority has allowed Israel to rely more on warplanes for their strikes instead of those expensive long range missiles. And it's important to note they do not plan on stopping anytime soon. Prime Minister Netanyahu has made clear that this operation will continue until Iran's nuclear facilities have been totally destroyed. And that could take some time.

[Georgia Howe]

Now, what's the response from the White House been?

[Amanda Presa Giacomo]

Well, on Monday night, President Trump rocked Washington and Iran with a truth social post that read, quote, iran should have signed the deal I told them to sign. What a shame and waste of human life. Simply stated, Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran. Almost immediately. Roads out of the city were sent into gridlock with endless lines of cars trying to flee in the middle of the night. President Trump also convened a late night meeting of the National Security Council, prompting speculation that he was planning an attack. But a White House spokesman said Monday night that, quote, American forces are maintaining their defensive posture. And that has not changed. President Trump has continued to stand by Israel, saying his administration would support their efforts. As a sign of that support, during a meeting with G7 leaders in Canada on Monday, Trump refused to sign a joint statement that called for de escalation in this conflict. But while he has stopped short of committing American forces to the war, there is reportedly growing pressure from Israel for US backing now. In particular, Israel reportedly wants America's help in knocking out Iran's Fordow uranium enrichment site, which is buried deep underground under a mountain. Actually, remember, the US Is considered the only country on earth with the bunker buster bombs and large bomber aircraft necessary for taking out such a facility. And Israel has been clear that this operation will not be considered a success unless Fordow is destroyed. For more on that, I spoke with Dr. Paul Ray, professor of history at Hillsdale College.

[Dr. Jordan B. Peterson]

You can imagine given our capacity to deliver those bombs, that it would be very useful to the Israelis if we were to bomb Fordow, which is the mountain. So they probably want that to happen. I don't expect it to happen. It seems to me that Donald Trump is inclined to restraint.

[Georgia Howe]

So is the goal here regime change?

[Amanda Presa Giacomo]

Well, Israel has repeatedly said during this conflict that that's not their goal, but there is a very real chance this operation could result in the toppling of Ayatollah Khomeini's theocratic regime. Here's Dr. Ray speaking to that point.

[Dr. Jordan B. Peterson]

They're not in a position to implement regime change that has to be done on the ground. They can't send thousands and thousands of Israelis in, take the place over, kill off the mullahs and then put somebody in power.

[Cabot Phillips]

But.

[Dr. Jordan B. Peterson]

There is a strong opposition within Iran to the regime. There's a lot of discontent there, and there's a resentment of spending Iranian money to support Hezbollah, the Houthis and Hamas.

[Amanda Presa Giacomo]

And as the damage in Iran mounts, the regime has reportedly told Middle Eastern intermediaries that they are willing to de escalate and seek an end to hostilities. But Israel is not buying it. They say that any ceasefire would only be an opportunity for them to regroup and work on finishing a nuclear weapon. So Israel is pushing forward well, and.

[Georgia Howe]

A lot of eyes on how President Trump's going to balance this. Cabot, thanks for reporting.

[Amanda Presa Giacomo]

Absolutely.

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[Georgia Howe]

President Trump is ramping up deportation raids in the wake of anti ice riots in Democrat run Cities across the nation.

[Cabot Phillips]

Here with the details is Daily Wire reporter Amanda Presa. Giacomo. Hey, Amanda. So Trump doubling down on deportations in blue cities, but also pausing operations in certain sectors or industries first as it relates to arrests in cities. What exactly are Trump's orders here?

[Mairead Elordi]

Yeah, Trump has made clear here that his administration will be ramping up efforts to deport illegals, specifically in blue cities like Los Angeles, Chicago and New York. I know all of these cities have policies to effectively shield illegals from federal immigration officials. Trump said there will be a focus on crime ridden and deadly inner cities and those places where sanctuary cities play a big role. He added that he's directed his entire administration to put every resource possible behind this effort and reverse the tide of, quote, mass destruction, migration. Here's Trump.

[John Bickley]

On Monday, Biden allowed 21 million people to come into our country. Of that vast numbers of those people were murderers, killers, people from gangs, people from jails. They emptied their jails out into the U.S. most of those people are in the cities, all blue cities, all Democrat run cities.

[Mairead Elordi]

Trump said that ice, the FBI, the dea, atf, and officials at the Pentagon and State Department will carry out this agenda. And he added that illegals will be brought back to their home countries.

[Cabot Phillips]

Now, we've been tracking the anti ICE riots very closely and the targeting of ICE agents for doxing and even some violence. Has Trump addressed that trend?

[Mairead Elordi]

Right. Unsurprisingly, Trump has given his full support to these ICE agents. He applauded them for their strength and their courage, and he condemned violence and harassment directed their way. As you mentioned, John, a number of officers have been injured during these anti ICE riots and at least dozens of demonstrators have been arrested for their antics. Trump also criticized Democrats for heated rhetoric they've used about ice. Just last week, there was a hearing on sanctuary policies in blue states, and one Democrat compared ICE agents to Nazis. Here's Representative Stephen Lynch.

[Brandon]

You know, my dad served in the Second World War. He fought the Nazis in Northern Africa.

[Amanda Presa Giacomo]

He fought the Nazis on the Italian Peninsula.

[John Bickley]

And I think he's looking down right.

[Brandon]

Now and he's happy that I'm fighting today's Nazis.

[Mairead Elordi]

Last month, Democrat Governor Tim Walls compared ICE agents to the Gestapo. And you know, there's been a lot of this radical language used about immigration from Democrats. And for example, Representative Alexandria Ocasio Cortez, she called detention facilities at the border concentration camps.

[Cabot Phillips]

Now, as we said, while Trump is ramping up deportations in these sanctuary cities, he signaled a different approach for certain industries. What's happening there yeah.

[Mairead Elordi]

Trump recently said that there's going to be a policy change when it comes to deportations on farms, hotels, and leisure businesses. He said he wants the administration to use common sense here and not focus on deporting workers who've been here for decades. Here's Trump in his own words.

[John Bickley]

Our farmers are being hurt badly by, you know, they have very good workers. They've worked for them for 20 years. They're not citizens, but they've turned out to be, you know, great. And we're going to have to do something about that. And, you know, what's going to happen and what is happening? They get rid of some of the people. They end up hiring the people, the criminals that have come in, the murderers from prisons.

[Mairead Elordi]

According to sources, the administration officially instructed ICE agents to stop immigration raids and investigations at farms, hotels, and restaurants this past Thursday. Now, this follows a warning from the Department of Agriculture that aggressive deportations in rural areas could destabilize the food supply.

[Cabot Phillips]

This is a controversial move, no doubt for some on the right, correct?

[Mairead Elordi]

Yeah, definitely. While some are advocating for this slowdown in certain industries, there's been some backlash from conservatives and Trump supporters. They're calling this de facto amnesty, and they're saying it's just not what they voted for. Now, those defending Trump, they say that he's taking a pragmatic approach here to this massive problem, and, and he's focusing on the priority deportations first.

[Cabot Phillips]

Amanda, thanks so much for reporting.

[Mairead Elordi]

You're welcome.

[Cabot Phillips]

Kilmar. Abrego Garcia, the illegal immigrant who was embraced by Democrats when he was deported to El Salvador, appeared in court here in Nashville on Friday on smuggling charges.

[Georgia Howe]

Daily Wire investigative reporter Mairead Elordi is here with the details. So, Mairead, what is the status of Abrego Garcia's case?

[Tom Papert]

Hi, Georgia. So Abrego Garcia pled not guilty on Friday in a Nashville federal court. As a reminder, this is the guy who is dubbed a Maryland man by the legacy media, even though he is an illegal migrant from El Salvador. This is the DOJ's criminal case against Abrego Garcia, not his immigration case. And it centers on a traffic stop in Tennessee from November 2022, when Abrego Garcia was pulled over while driving a car with nine people inside, including a 15 year old boy, most of whom have been identified as illegal aliens. If convicted, he faces 10 years in prison for each illegal alien he smuggled and a $250,000 fine. He was brought back to the US after being deported to El Salvador due to suspected Ms. 13 ties. We spoke with the Tennessee Star's lead reporter Tom Papert, who was at the courthouse on Friday. He noted that there are signs the left is washing their hands of Abrego Garcia.

[Dr. Paul Ray]

I've been closely monitoring this case, waiting to see if some dark money group would put up the millions of dollars necessary to get him a really good criminal defense attorney or a number of criminal defense attorneys. But so far, after more than a week, Kilmar Abrego Garcia is represented by a number of public defenders, the federal office of Middle Tennessee. It seems like the Democrats are cutting and running. They've realized that this is a losing battle for them.

[Tom Papert]

Papper made a point of noting that the Democrat lawmakers who flew all the way to El Salvador to meet with Abrego Garcia, that's Maryland Democrat Senator Chris Van Hollen and a dozen or so House Democrats, they did not show up to his hearing on Friday.

[Dr. Paul Ray]

Notably absent were Senator Van Hollen were the dozen or so House Democrats that flew to El Salvador to go try to visit with Kilmar Abrego Garcia when he was in foreign custody. It's interesting to me that they were willing to travel to El Salvador when this was probably getting them a lot of donations, but they weren't willing to take the two and a half hour flight to Nashville, Tennessee to be there for his arraignment.

[Georgia Howe]

Some notable absences for sure. Now, did we learn anything new about Abrego Garcia during the hearing?

[Tom Papert]

Yes, during the six hour arraignment we did hear some new allegations. A Homeland Security agent testified that multiple alleged accomplices claimed Abrego Garcia asked a 15 year old girl for nude photos on Snapchat. His lawyers called this a flirtatious event and that he would use his own children as basically human shields against the police. Another new allegation was that Abrego Garcia transported a 15 year old boy. The Homeland Security agent said they don't know where that boy is or if he is okay. Interestingly, his own lawyers did not deny the child was in the car. They simply said it would be impossible to figure out whether he was a minor since illegal immigrants often lie about their age. As a reminder, Abreco Garcia also has an alleged history of violence toward his wife.

[Georgia Howe]

Right. So what's next for his case?

[Tom Papert]

So according to Papert, next we're looking at whether Abrego Garcia will remain in federal custody or whether he will be transferred to ICE custody. Either way, it looks like he will be remaining in custody and will not be released onto the streets after that we'll want to watch Judge Waverly Crenshaw, who's been assigned to this case. He doesn't have a reputation for being political, but he is an Obama appointee. So it'll be interesting to see how he approaches this case.

[Georgia Howe]

Well, we will certainly be watching very closely. Marie, thanks for reporting.

[Tom Papert]

Thanks, Georgia.

[Cabot Phillips]

Thanks for waking up with us. And if you're watching on YouTube, like and subscribe, we'll be back this evening with more news you need to know.

[Dr. Jordan B. Peterson]

This is Dr. Jordan B. Peterson. Watch Parenting, available exclusively on Daily Wire.

[Cabot Phillips]

Plus, we're dealing with misbehaviors with our son.

[Mairead Elordi]

Our 13 year old throws tantrums.

[Amanda Presa Giacomo]

Her son turned to some substance abuse. Go to dailywireplus.com today.