The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson: "Bad Hombres" Featuring DHS Secretary Chad Wolf – Detailed Summary

Release Date: August 7, 2020
Host: Ben Ferguson
Guest: Acting Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Chad Wolf
Duration: Approximately 30 minutes

Introduction

In the August 7, 2020 episode of The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson, host Ben Ferguson engages in a compelling discussion with Chad Wolf, the Acting Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The conversation delves into pressing national issues, including civil unrest in Portland, border security, the role of DHS, and the broader implications of political rhetoric on law enforcement agencies. This episode offers unfiltered insights into the challenges faced by DHS in maintaining national security and public order.

Civil Unrest in Portland: History and Current Challenges

Portland’s Troubled History with Federal Facilities

The episode opens with a focus on the ongoing civil unrest in Portland, Oregon, a hotspot for protests and violence against federal facilities. Chad Wolf provides historical context, highlighting a significant event from 2018 when an ICE facility in Portland was besieged for 28 days. He notes, “We have a community that has fostered an environment of violence in Portland” (00:53). During this period, local law enforcement failed to protect the facility, forcing DHS to deploy federal and Department of Justice (DOJ) officers to secure the area.

Escalation of Violence

Fast forward to the present, Wolf describes a dramatic escalation in violence at the Mark Hatfield Federal Courthouse, where “95% of the violence has taken place” (02:35). He distinguishes between peaceful protests and violent anarchist activities, asserting, “These are violent individuals that are organized” (05:31). The intensity of these confrontations has necessitated increased federal intervention, including the deployment of Federal Protective Service (FPS) officers to safeguard the courthouse.

Nature of Protests and Violent Incidents

Two Facets of Protests

Wolf elaborates on the dual nature of protests in Portland: “We see peaceful protesting” with several hundred participants engaging in speeches and advocacy (03:09). However, juxtaposed against this are nightly violent disruptions involving thousands of anarchists attempting to breach federal buildings. These actions include throwing Molotov cocktails, attacking officers with sledgehammers, and using powerful lasers to blind law enforcement personnel.

Impact on Law Enforcement

The severity of these attacks is underscored by the injuries sustained by officers. Wolf states, “For DHS, we've had over 247 different injuries to law enforcement officers” (08:13), highlighting the dangerous environment federal agents operate in daily. He recounts specific incidents, such as individuals lighting barbecues on fire and launching mortar-style fireworks at officers, intensifying the threat level beyond typical protest activities.

Response of DHS and Federal Agencies

Federal Intervention Amidst Local Inaction

Chad Wolf criticizes the inaction of local and state law enforcement, emphasizing that DHS had to step in due to the lack of support from Portland’s mayor and governor. He recounts, “Their response was no, thank you, and please leave Portland” (12:16), which he argues would have resulted in the destruction of federal facilities had DHS withdrawn.

Authority and Legal Framework

Addressing misconceptions about DHS’s authority, Wolf clarifies that federal law allows DHS to protect federal properties and arrest individuals committing crimes, even if these acts occur off federal grounds. He analogizes this to preventing someone from burning the United States Capitol and then claiming immunity once they step across the street, asserting, “It would not work” (07:08).

Political Rhetoric and the Push to Abolish ICE

Targeting Federal Law Enforcement

The discussion shifts to the political campaigns targeting ICE and broader law enforcement agencies. Wolf condemns remarks from political figures like Nancy Pelosi, who have derogatorily labeled DHS officers as “stormtroopers” (16:20). He defends the agency’s mission, stating, “These are civil law enforcement officers who get up every day, put on a badge, put on a uniform, protect their communities” (16:46).

The Campaign to Abolish ICE

Wolf addresses the push to abolish ICE, explaining that such efforts aim to dismantle critical components of DHS that handle immigration enforcement, transnational crime, and national security. He emphasizes the importance of these functions in protecting communities from various threats, countering the narrative that seeks to undermine law enforcement integrity.

Border Security and Construction of the Wall

Progress on Border Wall Construction

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to border security, particularly the construction of the border wall. Chad Wolf highlights the administration’s achievements, noting, “We just eclipsed about 265 miles of the new border wall system under President Trump” (18:07). He contrasts the initial low-height barriers with the current high-tech, 30-foot walls equipped with ground sensors, lighting, and radar systems designed to effectively impede illegal crossings.

Technology and Resources

Wolf expresses concern over the technological disparities between federal and state resources. He acknowledges the superior technology employed by Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) but attributes the lack of comparable federal equipment to congressional inaction: “We do not have an unlimited budget. So there are certain… we can always use new and better equipment” (26:50).

Future Plans

Looking ahead, Wolf outlines ambitious plans to extend the border wall system to 450-500 miles by the end of the year, replacing outdated fences with robust barriers. He emphasizes the strategic placement of these walls in high-need areas to maximize the effectiveness of federal patrols and prevent illegal crossings.

Outlook and Conclusion

National Security and Public Safety

In concluding the discussion, Chad Wolf underscores DHS’s commitment to national security and public safety. He references Operation Legend, an initiative to surge federal resources to combat violent crime, and reiterates the department’s role in protecting federal properties nationwide. Wolf’s closing remarks reflect a steadfast dedication to maintaining order and safeguarding justice, despite political and logistical challenges.

Personal Background and Motivation

Wolf shares his personal journey, revealing that his dedication to DHS was sparked by the events of September 11, 2001. He explains, “So it was a formidable event in my life and really changed my outlook” (28:45). His commitment to the department’s mission is a driving force behind his leadership and strategic decisions.

Final Thoughts

The episode wraps up with a light-hearted exchange addressing unexpected personal challenges faced by Chad Wolf, humanizing the federal leader and reinforcing the collaborative spirit between DHS and national leaders.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Chad Wolf on Portland’s Violence:
  “For DHS, we've had over 247 different injuries to law enforcement officers. About over 100 officers have individually been injured.” (08:13)

• On Misconceptions About DHS Authority:
  “These are violent individuals that are organized. They have supply lines. This is an organized entity here that is doing this.” (05:31)

• Defending Law Enforcement Against Rhetoric:
  “To call them stormtroopers, to invoke that kind of imagery is just shameful.” (16:20)

• On Border Wall Progress:
  “We just eclipsed about 265 miles of the new border wall system under President Trump.” (18:07)

• Commitment to National Security:
  “DHS is going to be on the front lines protecting those [federal properties].” (27:10)

Insights and Conclusions

This episode of The 47 Morning Update provides a thorough examination of the multifaceted challenges facing the Department of Homeland Security, particularly in the context of civil unrest and border security. Chad Wolf articulates the complexities of managing federal facilities amidst violent protests, the strategic advancements in border infrastructure, and the impact of political rhetoric on law enforcement efficacy. The conversation underscores the necessity of robust federal intervention in maintaining national security and public order, while also highlighting the ongoing tensions between federal authorities and local governance. For listeners seeking an in-depth understanding of DHS operations and the current socio-political landscape, this episode serves as an essential resource.