ICE Hiring Frenzy w Record Applications and Big Bonuses plus Pentagon Preps Military Options Against Foreign Drug Lords

Summary

The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson – Detailed Episode Summary
Release Date: August 13, 2025
Episode Title: ICE Hiring Frenzy w Record Applications and Big Bonuses plus Pentagon Preps Military Options Against Foreign Drug Lords

Hosted by Ben Ferguson and co-hosted by two additional commentators, this episode of "The 47 Morning Update" delves into three significant stories shaping national security and political discourse in the United States. Below is a comprehensive summary capturing all key points, discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode.

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1. ICE Hiring Frenzy: Over 100,000 Americans Apply for Jobs

Timestamp: 00:31 – 04:32

The episode opens with a focus on the unprecedented surge in applications to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Following a vigorous hiring campaign initiated by the Trump administration in late July, over 100,000 Americans have applied for just 10,000 available positions. This section examines the implications of this massive interest in ICE roles and the administration’s efforts to bolster law enforcement.

Key Points:

• Massive Response to Hiring Campaign:
  Co-Host 1 introduces the story by highlighting, "More than 100,000 Americans have said we want to work for the president and be ICE agents" (00:31).

• Government Incentives:
  To attract applicants, ICE is offering substantial sign-on bonuses up to $50,000, student loan repayment or forgiveness programs, and additional perks. This is part of a strategic move to ensure ICE is staffed with dedicated individuals capable of handling the challenges posed by the tens of millions of illegal immigrants in the country.

• Increased Threats Against ICE Agents:
  The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Christy Gnomes emphasized the critical nature of this hiring push, stating, "This is a defining moment in our nation's history. Your skills, your experience, and your courage have never been more essential" (03:00). Additionally, there has been an 830% surge in attacks on ICE agents, a figure Gnomes attributes to the radical left's demonization of law and order.

• Operational Challenges:
  Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons discussed the difficulties ICE agents face, particularly due to the open border policies of the previous Biden-Harris administration. The administration stresses the necessity of hiring 10,000 new individuals to effectively remove millions of criminal legal aliens from the United States.

• Job Requirements and Safety Measures:
  Positions such as deportation officers, criminal investigators, and general attorneys are available. All candidates undergo rigorous health evaluations, substance screenings, and fitness tests to ensure they are fully prepared for the occupational hazards associated with ICE work.

Notable Quote:
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Christy Gnomes: "Your skills, your experience and your courage have never been more essential" (03:00).

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2. Pentagon Prepares Military Options Against Foreign Drug Lords

Timestamp: 04:33 – 09:03

The second major story addresses the Trump administration’s strategic actions against Latin American drug cartels. By designating several major cartels as global terrorist organizations, the administration has empowered the Pentagon to explore military options to dismantle these groups.

Key Points:

• Designation of Cartels as Terrorist Organizations:
  In February, the Trump administration officially labeled major drug cartels, including the Sinaloa Cartel and MS-13, as "global terrorist organizations." This designation grants the Pentagon the authority to prepare military responses against these entities both on land and at sea.

• Military Preparedness:
  The directive involves crafting detailed military plans, including special forces operations, intelligence missions, naval operations, and enhanced surveillance. However, it is emphasized that immediate military action is not planned, focusing instead on preparedness (04:35).

• Extradition of Cartel Leaders:
  Mexico has responded by extraditing 26 top cartel leaders to the United States, a move seen as a direct outcome of the Trump administration’s policies. Attorney General Pam Bondi stated, "These 26 men have all played a role in bringing violence and drugs to American shores" (07:45).

• Impact and Significance:
  This extradition is highlighted as a significant achievement, surpassing efforts from previous administrations like Biden and Obama. The administration underscores that Mexico’s cooperation in handing over these leaders is a testament to the effectiveness of Trump’s border security measures.

• Mexican Government’s Stance:
  Despite reports of potential U.S. military intervention, the Mexican President clarified that military actions are "off the table," emphasizing ongoing collaboration without the threat of invasion (08:30).

• President Trump’s Commitment:
  In an interview segment, Donald Trump reiterates his administration's unwavering commitment to national security: "We have to protect our country. We haven't been doing it for four years" (08:34).

Notable Quote:
Attorney General Pam Bondi: "These 26 men have all played a role in bringing violence and drugs to American shores" (07:45).

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3. Adam Schiff Faces Allegations of Leaking Classified Information

Timestamp: 09:05 – 12:42

The final story of the episode brings to light serious accusations against Democratic Congressman Adam Schiff. A whistleblower alleges that Schiff authorized the leaking of classified information to undermine President Donald Trump’s administration during the Russiagate investigation.

Key Points:

• Whistleblower’s Allegations:
  The whistleblower, a long-time staffer on the House Intelligence Committee, claims that in December 2017, Adam Schiff approved the leaking of classified information with the intent to discredit President Trump. This was allegedly done in anticipation of a potential Hillary Clinton presidency, where Schiff believed Trump would be appointed CIA director (09:30).

• Mechanism of the Leak:
  According to the whistleblower, sensitive materials were funneled through Schiff and selectively leaked to the press. An example provided includes a document damaging Representative Eric Swalwell’s reputation being disseminated almost immediately after being reviewed by a select group (10:15).

• Administrative Response:
  The White House press secretary referred to the report as a "bombshell" and emphasized the administration’s determination to hold Schiff accountable. The latest FBI documentation corroborates the whistleblower’s account, highlighting systemic abuses aimed at weaponizing intelligence for political gain (11:05).

• Public Trust and Institutional Integrity:
  The press secretary articulated concerns about the erosion of public trust in institutions due to such actions. "Certain officials used their positions to selectively and legally classified information to shape political narratives," she stated (11:10).

• Comparative Accountability:
  The administration draws a parallel, suggesting that if similar allegations were made against Trump or his administration officials, media coverage would differ significantly, pointing to perceived biases in reporting (12:10).

• Call for Investigative Action:
  The episode emphasizes the need for thorough investigations by the FBI and Department of Justice to uncover the extent of these allegations and restore accountability within government institutions.

Notable Quote:
White House Press Secretary: "Those abuses eroded public trust in our institutions. The FBI will now lead the charge with our partners at DOJ" (11:15).

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Conclusion

Ben Ferguson wraps up the episode by urging listeners to subscribe for ongoing, in-depth news coverage and emphasizes the importance of staying informed on these critical issues. The discussions highlight the Trump administration's aggressive stance on immigration enforcement, combating foreign drug cartels, and addressing political controversies surrounding classified information leaks.

Final Remarks:
"Thank you for listening to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson. Please make sure you hit subscribe wherever you're listening to this podcast right now. And for more in-depth news, also subscribe to the Ben Ferguson Podcast and we will see you back here tomorrow."

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This summary provides a comprehensive overview of the episode, capturing all essential discussions, key points, notable quotes with accurate timestamps, and the overall narrative presented by Ben Ferguson and his co-hosts. It serves as a valuable resource for those who haven't listened to the episode, ensuring they remain informed on the critical issues impacting America today.

Transcript

[Podcast Host]

This is an iHeart podcast.

[Donald Trump]

Latin America's got a lot of cartels. They've got a lot of drugs flowing. So, you know, we want to protect our country. We have to protect our country. We haven't been doing it for four years. So, you know, we're playing a tough game. But we'll have more to say about that soon.

[Ben Ferguson]

You're listening to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson.

[Co-Host 1]

Good Wednesday morning.

[Co-Host 2]

Nice to have you with us on.

[Co-Host 1]

The 47 Morning Update.

[Co-Host 2]

And we've got three big stories for you.

[Co-Host 1]

First up, more than 100,000Americans have said we want to work for the president.

[Co-Host 2]

And be ICE agents.

[Co-Host 1]

That's right. Nationwide, more than 100,000Americans have applied for just 10,000 jobs. I'll give you the details on how big of a deal that is in just a moment. Plus, in a major move by the White House, it now looks like it's time to hold the cartels accountable for what they've been doing in torturing, killing and overdosing American citizens. President has designated them as terrorist organizations. And now the president is fighting back. And Mexico, out of nowhere, decides to extradite 26 top cartel leaders to the U. S. All because of Donald Trump. Putting America first. How safe is this going to make America? I'll explain it as well. And finally, Adam Schiff in big trouble.

[Co-Host 2]

New accusations coming out from a democrat.

[Co-Host 1]

That he purposely leaked classified information to undermine and overthrow the Trump presidency back in 2000 2017. It's the 47 Morning Update, and it starts right now.

[Ben Ferguson]

Story number one.

[Co-Host 2]

Donald Trump has done something that's truly incredible. Allow law enforcement to do their jobs. And now Americans are signing up in record numbers to get in on law and order. We now have found out that over 100, 000Americans have submitted applications for jobs at the U. S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, known as ice, following the launch of a Department of Homeland Security hir campaign in late July, the Trump administration initiative seeks to add 10,000 more ICE personnel. Because of the tens of millions of illegal immigrants that are in this country. ICE agents are needed, and now they're offering major perks as well, and even easing some of the qualification restrictions to make sure that we get incredible people that are willing to work within ice. This is one of the best parts of all of what Donald Trump has done. In a statement, the Department of Homeland Security Secretary Christy Gnomes stressed the significance of the hiring push, saying, quote, this is a defining moment in our nation's history. Your skills, your experience and your courage have never been more essential. Together we must defend the homeland. Gnome emphasized that ICE agents are responsible for deporting the worst of the worst criminals from the United States of America. To draw in applicants, ICE is providing sign on bonuses as high as $50,000, along with programs for repaying or forgiving student loans and additional perks. This hiring campaign occurs amid DH statistics showing an 830 surge in attacks on ICE agents, a number that Gnome indicated has now climbed to 1000% because the radical left demonizing law and order. The acting ICE director, Todd Lyons has drawn also attention to the difficulties ICE agents are enduring and encountering in the public. Because of the open border policies of the former Biden Harris government. The dedicated men and women of ICE now face unprecedented challenges in removing millions of criminal legal aliens from our country. And that's exactly why they're trying to hire 10,000 new individuals now. The ICE hiring portal features various positions such as deportation officer, criminal investigator and general attorney. And it also clearly responds to the occupational hazards, noting that agents are, quote, expertly trained and that all possible measures are implemented to protect the them. Every candidate for law enforcement position will be subject to health evaluations, substance screenings and fitness tests during recruitment. This is exactly why they've received more than a hundred thousand applicants, because so many people are willing to fight to protect this country when they know the commander in chief is backing them up. And that's exactly what you're getting from President Trump.

[Ben Ferguson]

Next story number two.

[Co-Host 2]

I want to take you back to February of this year and something big happened at the White House. The Trump administration designated several major drug cartels, including the Sinaloa Cartel, Ms. 13 and others as, quote, global terrorist organizations. Well, now we know more about why that decision was made. Donald Trump's executive authority has now been used and has signed a directive empowering the Pentagon to prepare military options on land and at sea against Latin American drug cartels that have been designated as, quote, foreign terrorist organizations. Preparedness and not immediate action is what this is really all about. Military plans are being drawn up. We're being told now, including special forces, intelligence operations, naval operations and surveillance. The threshold for actual deployment has not been crossed yet. No ground operations, we've been told are imminent, but Mexico is already responding to this. In fact, Today, Mexico extradited 26 top cartel leaders to the U. S And a Trump administration deal. The transfer comes ahead of a 25% tariff on Mexican goods imposed by President Trump. Mexico handing over these 26 top cartel leaders, the United States of America this week is massive. It's something that Biden never even tried to do or Obama. The cartel figures were scheduled to fly the US On Tuesday. We were being told by reporters today is the latest example of the Trump administration's historic efforts to dismantle cartels and foreign terrorist organizations. That's what Attorney General Pam Bondi said to Fox News saying, quote, these 26 men have all played a role in bringing violence and drugs to American shores. Under the Department of Justice, they will face severe consequences for their crimes against this country. And we're grateful to the president of Mexico and the Mexican government for their collaboration in this matter. Now, one of the 26 cartel members that was turned over the U. S. Is a man that was wanted. His name was Gonzalez Valencina. He was a leader of one of the top Mexican cartels and he also is accused of participating in the 2008 killing of a Los Angeles sheriff deputy. He's one of those that is among the 26 that are being handed over to the U. S. The Trump administration, by the way, has classified that cartel, the cjng, as a terrorist organization. Mexico's Attorney General's office and the Security Ministry confirmed the men were being handed over, saying the deal was made after the US Justice Department said it wouldn't seek the death penalty for any of the men. The deal comes amid the Trump administration's focus on border security, an attempt to crack down on Mexican cartels that send drugs across the border. President Trump's top priority is protecting the homeland, which is why he took the bold steps to designate several cartels and gangs as foreign terrorist organizations. That's what the deputy White House press secretary said today. In a statement that was released, Mexican president on Friday said the US Military would not be entering Mexican territory following reports that Washington could take action to combat the cartels, saying, quote, we cooperate, we collaborate, but there is not going to be an invasion.

[Co-Host 1]

It's off the table. Absolutely off the table, quote, unquote.

[Co-Host 2]

Which brings me back to the White House.

[Co-Host 1]

I want you to take a listen.

[Co-Host 2]

To part of what was said about what the president is planning to do and how serious he is about combating these terrorists. Here he is in his own words.

[Interviewer]

You were talking about sending military forces to fight against the drug cartels in Latin America. Do you think it's worth sending our forces, our US Forces there to take this on?

[Donald Trump]

Cartels Where?

[Interviewer]

Central. Central. Latin America.

[Donald Trump]

Well, Latin America's got a lot of cartels. They've got a lot of drugs flowing. So, you know, we want to protect our country. We have to protect our country. We haven't been doing it for four years and we love this country like they love their countries. We have to protect our country. So, you know, we're playing a tough game. But we'll have more to say about that soon.

[Co-Host 2]

We'll have more to say about that soon. Clearly, the President, United States of America, not messing around when it comes to protecting the homeland.

[Ben Ferguson]

And here is story number three.

[Co-Host 1]

In a bombshell report, a Democratic whistleblower has come forward. A longtime staffer on the House Intelligence Committee and told the FBI back In December of 2017, during Donald Trump's first year in office, that then Representative Adam Schiff authorized the leaking of classified information during the Russiagate investigation to discredit President Donald Trump, believing that he would be appointed CIA director under a potential Hillary Clinton presidency. In meetings, Adam Schiff allegedly stated the leaks would be used to indict President Trump. When the whistleblower objected, others reportedly reassured him that they would not be caught. The whistleblower described a system where sensitive material was funneled to Schiff and then selectively leaked to the press. One document allegedly seen by a small group including SHIFT and Representative Eric Swalwell. You remember the congressman that was literally sleeping with a Chinese spy. Was leaked almost verbatim within a day. The whistleblower labeled these actions unethical and potentially treasonous and sought FBI involvement, though the Department of Justice reportedly declined to pursue the investigation further. The White House press secretary calling the report a bombshell, citing the newly released FBI documentation about the whistleblower's account. Here's more of what Caroline Levitt had.

[Co-Host 2]

To say when she was asked about it in the White House briefing room.

[Caroline Levitt]

Thanks, Caroline. My question involves Russiagate. A whistleblower alleges that then Congressman Adam Schiff approved leaking classified information to smear President Trump's image during the Russia scandal. Does the president plan to investigate Adam Schiff? And what would accountability look like if more information confirms this report?

[Press Secretary]

The president has already said he wants to, wants to see Adam Schiff held accountable for the countless lies he told the American people in relation to the Russiagate scandal. I brought Tulsi Gabbard out to this podium to talk to you about all of that. And this administration is taking accountability very seriously. As for this new FBI whistleblower report, I understand Cash Patel last night declassified a 302 FBI document showing that a whistleblower who is a Democrat, a career intelligence officer who worked for Democrats on the House Intel Committee for more than a decade and repeatedly warned the FBI in 2017 that then Rep. Adam Schiff had approved leaking classified information to smear then President Donald Trump over the Russiagate scandal. This is obviously a bombshell whistleblower report. Hopefully more people in this room will cover it as such. And I have a quote from the FBI director for all of you. He has said this for years. Certain officials used their positions to selectively legally classified information to shape political narratives. It was all done with one purpose, to weaponize intelligence in law enforcement for political gain. Those abuses eroded public trust in our institutions. The FBI will now lead the charge with our partners at doj. And Congress will have the chance to uncover how political power may have been weaponized and to restore accountability. That's what the administration is focused on. And hopefully we'll see some more media reports on this whistleblower allegation. If this were reversed, if this were. If this were allegations against the President or any of these Cabinet officials, I'm sure everyone in this room would cover it as such.

[Co-Host 2]

This is obviously a major story that the media doesn't want to cover, but we're going to keep you informed on it and we're going to make sure you know exactly what's happening every step of the way.

[Ben Ferguson]

Thank you for listening to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson. Please make sure you hit subscribe wherever you're listening to this podcast right now. And for more in depth news, also subscribe to the Ben Ferguson Podcast and we will see you back here tomorrow.

[Podcast Host]

This is an iHeart podcast.