The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson

Episode: Pritzker releases 1,800 Criminal Illegal Aliens Despite ICE Detainers
Date: December 9, 2025
Host: Ben Ferguson (Premiere Networks)

Episode Overview

In this episode, Ben Ferguson examines what he views as dangerous policies on illegal immigration implemented by Democratic leaders in Illinois, California, and New York. The central focus is on Governor J.B. Pritzker's decision to release nearly 1,800 illegal immigrants charged with serious crimes, despite active ICE detainers, and other recent incidents pointing to what Ben frames as the consequences of "sanctuary" state policies. Ferguson presents statistics, specific examples, and statements from officials, while sharply criticizing these officials for what he calls putting politics above the safety of American citizens.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Situation in Illinois: ICE Detainers Ignored

[03:49 – 10:31]

• Governor J.B. Pritzker and Illinois officials have released over 1,800 illegal immigrants charged with crimes such as murder, assault, burglary, robbery, and sex crimes.

• These releases occurred despite Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainers, which are requests to local law enforcement to hold individuals so ICE can take custody.

• Ben cites ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons’s public data reveal, indicating that Illinois authorities have failed to honor more than 1,768 ICE detainers, releasing those accused of violent and serious crimes back into communities.

• Ferguson details the charges:

  • 5 with murder
  • 141 with assault
  • 23 with burglary
  • 10 with sex crimes
  • 4 with robbery
  • 24 drug crimes (many involving fentanyl)
  • 15 weapons offenses

• ICE says Illinois had over 4,000 active ICE detainers, yet many serious suspects were released.

• ICE Secretary Trisha McLaughlin’s statement [paraphrased by Ben]:

  “Governor Pritzker and his fellow Illinois sanctuary politicians are releasing these murderers, pedophiles and kidnappers back into our neighborhoods and putting American lives at risk...” (06:33)

• Ferguson provides specific cases:

  • Victor Manuel Menendez Garcia: Convicted kidnapper with an 18-year sentence, released and not turned over to ICE.
  • Juan Morales Martinez: Involved in a fatal vehicle crash, ICE had to find and arrest him after Illinois released him.
  • Gonzalez Jimenez: Convicted of DUI, domestic battery, and two counts of criminal sexual assault—detainer refused, later arrested by ICE after release.
  • Juan Alberto Caro Morin: Convicted of aggravated criminal sexual abuse, ICE detainer not honored.

• Quote:

  "Yet again, Illinois saying no, we'd rather play politics than keep our citizens safe from these dangerous criminals." – Ben Ferguson [09:55]

California and the Tragic Death of a Child

[10:32 – 12:58]

• Ben turns to California, citing the case of a Guatemalan illegal immigrant who allegedly caused a fatal drunk driving accident, killing an 8-year-old girl in San Diego.
• Alva Rodriguez, with a history of DUI and hit-and-run, drove head-on into another vehicle, severely injuring others and killing the young girl.
• This individual had prior DUI arrests in 2020 and 2021 but was not removed from the U.S.
• Secretary Noem and ICE condemned the incident, blaming Governor Gavin Newsom's sanctuary policies.
• Quote:

  "How many deaths of children at the hands of criminal legal aliens need to happen before Governor Newsom and sanctuary politicians will prioritize the safety and security of American families?" – Ben Ferguson, citing DHS statement [12:25]

• Ferguson underscores the narrative that sanctuary policies directly endanger citizens, especially children.

New York City: Mayor-Elect’s Stand Against ICE

[13:00 – 15:39]

• Ferguson highlights New York City’s new mayor-elect (Mandani; later, Eric Adams speaks in a clip), castigating him for helping illegal immigrants avoid ICE.

• The mayor-elect released a video advising immigrants on their rights during ICE encounters, including not allowing entry without a judicial warrant, remaining silent, and filming officers.

• Eric Adams (Mayor-elect, direct quotes):

  • "If ICE does not have a judicial warrant signed by a judge, you have the right to say I do not consent to entry and the right to keep your door closed." [14:45]

  • "ICE is legally allowed to lie to you, but you have the right to remain silent." [15:01]

  • "New Yorkers have a constitutional right to protest, and when I'm mayor, we will protect that right. New York will always welcome immigrants, and I will fight each and every day to protect, support and celebrate our neighborhood brothers and sisters." [15:33]

• Ferguson’s commentary:

  "That is the Mayor elect of New York making it very clear he doesn't work for the citizens of New York and said he works for the illegal immigrants and telling them everything he can to help them continue to break the laws." [15:39]

Federal Response and Trump Administration

[15:39 – 16:18]

• Ferguson asserts President Trump is undeterred by state non-cooperation, vowing to allocate more resources to track, arrest, and deport criminal illegal immigrants.

• Ben frames this as a struggle between federal law enforcement and "radical" state/local leaders who "refuse to work with ICE" and "put illegal immigrants ahead of American citizens.”

• Quote:

  "One thing is for sure, the President of the United States of America has promised no matter what, to go wherever these criminals are to find them, to hunt them down and to bring them to justice." [16:02]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "Democrats have chosen to put more lives at risk. Your life is one of them." – Ben Ferguson [03:38]
• "Governor Pritzker and his fellow Illinois sanctuary politicians are releasing these murderers, pedophiles and kidnappers back into our neighborhoods and putting American lives at risk..." – Quoting DHS Secretary Trisha McLaughlin [06:33]
• "Yet again, Illinois saying no, we'd rather play politics than keep our citizens safe from these dangerous criminals." – Ben Ferguson [09:55]
• "How many deaths of children at the hands of criminal legal aliens need to happen before Governor Newsom and sanctuary politicians will prioritize the safety and security of American families?" – (citing DHS statement) [12:25]
• "ICE cannot enter into private spaces like your home, school, or a private area of your workplace without a judicial warrant signed by a judge..." – Eric Adams, Mayor-elect [14:45]
• "That is the Mayor elect of New York making it very clear he doesn't work for the citizens of New York and said he works for the illegal immigrants..." – Ben Ferguson [15:39]
• "The President of the United States has promised...to go wherever these criminals are to find them, to hunt them down and to bring them to justice." – Ben Ferguson [16:02]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Illinois: Pritzker, ICE detainers, and crime data: [03:49 – 10:31]
• Case studies and ICE statements: [05:00 – 09:55]
• California: Fatal crash involving illegal immigrant: [10:32 – 12:58]
• NYC Mayor-elect addresses ICE and immigrant rights: [13:00 – 15:39]
• Federal response and Trump administration’s position: [15:39 – 16:18]

Tone & Delivery

Ben Ferguson’s tone is urgent, forceful, and highly critical of Democratic leadership in Illinois, California, and New York. He frames the issue of non-cooperation with ICE as both a partisan and public safety crisis, often referencing data, anecdotal cases, and official statements to assert that these policies endanger Americans. There’s an emphasis on the President’s continued efforts and a sense of direct, no-nonsense commentary that characterizes Ferguson’s voice throughout.

For listeners seeking a comprehensive, critical take on the intersection of immigration policy, crime, and partisan conflict, this episode provides a dense and polemical overview of recent headline-grabbing controversies.