Podcast Summary: The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson
Episode: Border Czar Tom Homan - Exclusive One on One
Release Date: May 21, 2025

Introduction

In this exclusive episode of The 47 Morning Update, host Ben Ferguson engages in a compelling discussion with Senator Ted Cruz and Border Czar Tom Homan. The conversation delves deep into the recent strides made in securing the U.S. border under the Trump administration's renewed efforts, contrasting sharply with the previous Biden administration's policies.

Achievements Under Tom Homan and the Trump Administration

Tom Homan begins by outlining the significant improvements in border security since President Trump resumed office. Highlighting the drastic reduction in illegal crossings, Homan shares impressive statistics:

• Reduction in Illegal Crossings:
  "Under Biden administration, we were dealing with 10,000, 11,000 even a few times 15,000 aliens; today it was 211." [02:51]

• Gotaway Numbers:
  "We went from 13, 14,000 to 211. Yesterday, it was 39." [03:27]

• Discretionary Releases:
  "During the first hundred days, Trump administration had 1 discretionary release compared to 184,000 under Biden." [03:42]

These figures underscore the effectiveness of the Trump administration's policies in curbing illegal immigration and enhancing border security.

Policy Changes and Their Impact

Jamie Rubin, acting as a spokesperson, emphasizes the pivotal executive orders issued by President Trump:

• Executive Orders:
  "Remain in Mexico, third safe country agreements, and ending catch and release were major game changers." [05:34]

• Legal Framework:
  "Under federal statute, an alien arrives at our border without proper documentation to enter. The language is 'you shall be detained.' We are enforcing that." [06:13]

These measures have not only reduced illegal crossings but also significantly impacted the operations of human and drug trafficking organizations.

Sanctuary Cities and Accountability

The discussion shifts to the role of sanctuary cities in undermining border security:

• Dangers of Sanctuary Cities:
  "Sanctuary cities mean I don't have access to jail, arrest a bad guy. It's dangerous for everyone." [22:44]

• Accountability Measures:
  "We're holding sanctuary cities accountable, filing lawsuits, and working with the DOJ to ensure compliance." [23:13]

Tom Homan stresses that sanctuary cities hinder law enforcement efforts, posing significant risks to public safety by allowing dangerous individuals to remain in communities.

Terrorism and Public Safety Concerns

Senator Ted Cruz raises alarms about the potential for terrorists entering the United States through porous borders:

• Terrorist Threats:
  "We're convinced we have over 2 million known gotaways. Some of these are from terrorist-sponsored countries." [25:44]

• Preventive Measures:
  "We've arrested over 400 people on terrorist watches coming to the southwest border." [25:56]

Homan concurs, highlighting the ongoing threat and the challenges in completely vetting every individual crossing the border.

Drug Trafficking and Cartel Impact

The conversation addresses the rampant drug trafficking facilitated by lax border policies:

• Fentanyl Trafficking:
  "There's been a decrease in fentanyl seizures at the southern border, correlating with our enhanced security measures." [34:59]

• Cartel Revenues:
  "In 2018, Mexican cartels made roughly $500 million from human trafficking. Last year, it surged to over $13 billion." [35:53]

• Collaborative Efforts:
  "We need the U.S. to partner with Mexico to dismantle these powerful cartels effectively." [38:11]

The substantial increase in cartel revenues under Biden's administration is attributed to the lack of stringent border controls, exacerbating violence and corruption in Mexico.

Legislation and Budget Initiatives

Ben Ferguson and Senator Cruz discuss forthcoming legislation aimed at bolstering border security:

• Reconciliation Bill:
  "We'll get funding for the wall, technology, more border and ICE agents, detention beds, and advanced surveillance systems." [10:19]

• Budget Requirements:
  "We need more infrastructure, technology upgrades, and sufficient detention beds to handle arrests efficiently." [07:49]

The proposed budget seeks to provide comprehensive resources to sustain and expand the successful measures already in place.

Recent Events and Legal Accountability

Highlighting the importance of law and order, the podcast touches upon recent incidents involving elected officials:

• Congresswoman LaMonica McIver Incident:
  "Charges against her for assaulting an ICE officer send a strong message that no one is above the law." [40:34]

• Accountability Stance:
  "Even members of Congress must adhere to legal standards. This upholds the integrity of law enforcement operations." [40:34]

This segment underscores the administration's commitment to enforcing laws uniformly, ensuring that personal grievances do not impede national security efforts.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with heartfelt acknowledgments of the hard work and dedication of border patrol and ICE agents:

• Acknowledgment of Efforts:
  "These men and women, they're mothers and fathers too. They put their lives on the line every day." [43:35]

• Closing Remarks:
  "God bless the men and women of Border Patrol, God bless the women of ICE, and God bless this great nation." [43:35]

Senator Cruz and Tom Homan are lauded for their pivotal roles in enhancing border security, with a collective emphasis on the continued need for robust measures to maintain national safety.

Notable Quotes

• "We handed the Biden administration the most secure border ever had at that time." — Jamie Rubin [02:51]

• "President Trump's executive orders were a game changer." — Jamie Rubin [05:34]

• "Sanctuary cities mean I don't have access to jail, arrest a bad guy. It's dangerous for everyone." — Jamie Rubin [22:44]

• "We're convinced we have over 2 million known gotaways. Some of these are from terrorist-sponsored countries." — Sen. Ted Cruz [25:44]

• "We want to finish building the wall. It's a matter of enforcing the law." — Jamie Rubin [07:49]

• "Even members of Congress must adhere to legal standards." — Jamie Rubin [40:34]

This episode provides an in-depth look at the current state of U.S. border security, emphasizing the significant progress made under the Trump administration's policies. Through robust discussions and compelling data, Ben Ferguson, alongside Senator Cruz and Tom Homan, paints a picture of a nation striving to reclaim its borders and ensure the safety and prosperity of its citizens.