Morning Wire: “Weaponized Migration”—One of the Most ‘Sophisticated Invasions’ In History

Podcast: Morning Wire
Hosts: John Bickley, Georgia Howe
Guest: Peter Schweitzer, President of the Government Accountability Institute
Episode Date: February 1, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode features an in-depth interview with investigative journalist Peter Schweitzer about his new book, The Invisible Coup: How American Elites and Foreign Powers Use Immigration as a Weapon. The conversation centers on the concept of “weaponized migration”—the deliberate use of major U.S. immigration programs and border security gaps by foreign governments and cartels to exert influence, compromise national security, and shape American politics. Schweitzer reveals the sophisticated networks and strategies behind these efforts, discussing specific examples involving Latin American cartels, Chinese state actors, and the Mexican government.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Cartel and Progressive Political Alliances

[02:31]

• Schweitzer explains the evolving relationship between Latin American drug cartels and North American progressives, highlighting the role of the group “Progressive International,” founded by Bernie Sanders and involving several U.S. members of Congress.
• The cartel interest revolves around two key aims:
  • Open borders: Enables more lucrative human smuggling operations than drug trafficking.
  • Ending military campaigns against cartels: Reduces pressure from both U.S. and Latin American authorities.
• Notable Quote [03:20]: “The drug cartels actually make more money off of human smuggling when the borders are open than they do from drugs.” — Peter Schweitzer

2. U.S. Visa Programs Exploited for Influence

[05:23]

• Focus on the EB5 visa program: Meant to spur U.S. investment by granting residency to those who invest significantly in the U.S. (whether they actually reside in the U.S. or not).
• Schweitzer highlights the program’s founding was pushed by an individual later identified as a Chinese spy.
• Permanent residents can legally donate to U.S. political campaigns, allowing substantial (and potentially foreign-aligned) funds to enter U.S. politics.
• Notable Example [06:25]: “Chinese billionaires have obtained permanent resident status…and brag how they don’t actually live in the United States…And you can donate, in some instances, tens of millions of dollars flowing into political campaigns…from individuals that remain in China.” — Peter Schweitzer
• The loophole may persist due to Supreme Court precedent, though Schweitzer calls for greater transparency on campaign donations.
• Notable Quote [07:23]: “There’s no way of knowing whether this is foreign money or US money that’s going into campaigns.” — Peter Schweitzer

3. Weaponized Migration and Foreign State Manipulation

[08:02]

• Schweitzer asserts that immigration is not merely organic movement, but is being “weaponized” by foreign governments as a tool for influence and destabilization.
• He underscores the Mexican government’s efforts to activate migrants in the U.S. as a political force, including state-sponsored news and propaganda services like “Magrante TV.”
• Notable Quote [08:43]: “They are trying to radicalize and motivate migrants inside the country and turn them into a political force.” — Peter Schweitzer

4. The Reach of the Cartels and Mexican Government

[09:49]

• Discusses the intertwining of the Mexican government and cartels, especially under the Sheinbaum administration, and the use of consulates for direct influence and agitation within the U.S.

5. National Security Implications: China’s Exploitation of Birthright Citizenship

[10:22]

• China’s strategic use of U.S. birthright citizenship (“instant citizens”) is highlighted as a large-scale, coordinated effort.
• Schweitzer provides estimates that over 100,000 Chinese children are born in the U.S. each year, hold American citizenship, and are raised in China within CCP institutions. He warns these individuals will eventually gain the right to vote, donate to campaigns, and hold government positions.
• Notable Quote [11:17]: “You’re looking at more than a million US citizens that right now are being raised in China. And when they turn 18 they’re going to be able to vote in our elections, donate to our political campaigns, take government jobs.” — Peter Schweitzer

6. Surrogacy and Birth Tourism as Subversion Tactics

[11:54]

• Beyond travel-based birth tourism, the Chinese government and elites have begun using American surrogate mothers for “instant citizen” births, complicating detection and oversight.
• Schweitzer cites research that in Southern California alone, there are over 100 Chinese-owned surrogacy companies focused on this purpose.
• Notable Data [12:51]: “One Chinese billionaire close to the CCP has over 100 children born in the United States, US citizens, using this technique.” — Peter Schweitzer

7. The Scale and Complexity: Diplomatic Networks and U.S. Politics

[13:29]

• Mexico’s vast consular network (53 consulates, compared to 6-7 for the UK or China) is used to organize protests, meddle in politics, and coordinate with U.S. political organizations.
• Schweitzer recounts a 2024 Oklahoma City meeting where Mexican diplomats and Democratic Party activists discussed turning swing states blue using migrant activation strategies.
• Notable Quote [14:40]: “You’re not supposed to, as a diplomat of a foreign government, [be] involved in political campaigns. And that is exactly what they’re doing.” — Peter Schweitzer

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Cartel-Progressive Alliances:
  • “The drug cartels actually make more money off of human smuggling when the borders are open than they do from drugs.” — Peter Schweitzer [03:20]
• On Political Donations via Visas:
  • “You can donate…tens of millions of dollars flowing into political campaigns…from individuals that remain in China.” — Peter Schweitzer [06:25]
  • “There’s no way of knowing whether this is foreign money or US money that’s going into campaigns.” — Peter Schweitzer [07:23]
• On Weaponized Migration:
  • “They are trying to radicalize and motivate migrants inside the country and turn them into a political force.” — Peter Schweitzer [08:43]
• On Birthright Citizenship Threats:
  • “Let’s remember the 2016 presidential election was settled by 80,000 votes. So we can see the potential, the ability here for China to manipulate our politics is enormous.” — Peter Schweitzer [11:34]
• On Foreign Consular Meddling:
  • “You’re not supposed to, as a diplomat of a foreign government, [be] involved in political campaigns. And that is exactly what they’re doing.” — Peter Schweitzer [14:40]

Timestamps for Critical Segments

• [02:31] — Cartels’ collaboration with North American progressives
• [05:23] — Visa programs exploited by foreign governments
• [08:02] — Weaponized migration and Mexico’s influence operations
• [10:22] — National security implications of birthright citizenship (China’s exploitation)
• [11:54] — Surrogacy and advanced subversion tactics
• [13:29] — Mexico’s diplomatic network and direct U.S. political engagement

Tone and Takeaways

The episode maintains a grave and urgent tone, typical of investigative journalism on national security. Schweitzer’s revelations are presented as shocking and concerning, with a call for greater disclosure, legal scrutiny, and public awareness about how U.S. immigration systems can be—and are being—exploited. The discussion is grounded in extensive research, insider accounts, and detailed example-driven analysis.

Conclusion

If you’re concerned about the intersection of U.S. immigration policy, national security, and foreign influence, this episode offers a rich, detailed look at the risks posed by “weaponized migration.” Schweitzer’s testimony underscores the sophistication and scale of current threats, calling on policymakers and citizens alike to recognize and address these challenges before they escalate further.