The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson Episode: We 'may' have let some terrorists in? plus No Accountability from Secret Service & Jordanian Illegals Bailed Out Week In Review
Release Date: August 3, 2024

Introduction

In this intense episode of The 47 Morning Update, host Ben Ferguson engages in a compelling dialogue with Senator Ted Cruz, dissecting a series of alarming national security issues that have recently surfaced. The conversation spans border security breaches, lack of accountability within the Secret Service, and troubling incidents involving illegal immigrants attempting to infiltrate sensitive military installations. This summary encapsulates their critical discussions, insights, and the pressing concerns highlighted during the episode.

1. Border Security and Potential Terrorist Infiltration

Overview:
The episode kicks off with a grave discussion about the current state of the U.S. southern border. Ted Cruz introduces the alarming news that overwhelmed border agents suspect that some terrorists may have successfully entered the country amid the surge of illegal immigration.

Key Points:

• New York Post Report:
  The New York Post revealed that three Palestinian migrants with possible ties to terrorist organizations were detained after illegally crossing the southern border. One migrant was found with "salacious photos," including an image of a masked man holding an AK47 rifle. Additionally, a migrant from Turkey with suspected terrorism links was also apprehended. (00:00-03:40)

• Border Agent Testimony:
  A border agent expressed frustration, stating, "Knowing who these guys are, we have like no access to anything international. Like, we really don't." (02:30) This underscores the limitations faced by border authorities in vetting migrants from diverse international backgrounds.

• Administrative Critique:
  Ben Ferguson criticizes the Biden-Harris administration for its handling of border security, asserting that policies have prioritized partisan politics over national safety. He emphasizes the need for stringent measures to protect Americans from potential threats. (05:46-06:39)

Notable Quotes:

• "We are so overrun with illegal immigrants, the reality is, yes, we are probably letting terrorists into this country." — Ted Cruz (00:00)

• "Knowing who these guys are, we have like no access to anything international. Like, we really don't." — Border Agent (02:30)

• "It couldn't be farther from the truth." — Ben Ferguson on Kamala Harris's stance (04:02)

2. Secret Service Accountability Post-Assassination Attempt

Overview:
The conversation shifts focus to the aftermath of a near-assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump during a rally on July 13. Despite the severity of the incident, no Secret Service agents assigned to Trump's security detail have been terminated, raising questions about accountability within the agency.

Key Points:

• Lack of Consequences:
  Ben Ferguson laments that, in nearly four years under the Biden-Harris administration, no federal employees have been fired despite significant security failures, including the disastrous Afghanistan withdrawal and the recent assassination attempt on Trump. (11:13-15:17)

• Former vs. Acting Director:
  The former Secret Service director, reportedly handpicked by Biden, has been criticized for lack of transparency and accountability. In contrast, the acting director has shown more candor, though Ferguson remains uncertain about his suitability for the role. (11:13-15:17)

• Threat Assessment:
  Ferguson raises critical questions about the number of threats against prominent figures like Trump and Biden, emphasizing the need for the Secret Service to prioritize protecting those at highest risk. (15:17-22:54)

Notable Quotes:

• "In almost four years of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris being in the White House, not a single person has been fired from any job whatsoever." — Ben Ferguson (11:13)

• "It's all the more indefensible that the Secret Service political leadership would not provide sufficient agents to keep him safe." — Ben Ferguson (14:30)

3. Middle Eastern Conflicts and Targeted Assassinations

Overview:
Moving to international affairs, Ferguson and Cruz discuss significant developments in the Middle East, including targeted killings of key terrorist leaders by Israeli forces, which they frame as victories for both Israel and the United States.

Key Points:

• Assassination of Hezbollah Commander:
  The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) successfully eliminated Fouad Shukar, a Hezbollah commander implicated in the 1983 Marine barracks bombing in Beirut that killed 241 U.S. service members, and a recent attack on a children's soccer field in northern Israel. (15:44-20:19)

• Killing of Hamas Leader:
  Iran's Revolutionary Guard announced the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniya in Tehran, a claim immediately attributed to Israeli intelligence efforts. This follows Hamas's October 7th attack on Israel, which resulted in significant casualties and hostages. (15:44-20:19)

• Strategic Implications:
  Ferguson highlights these assassinations as critical blows to terrorist networks, reinforcing the alliance between Israel and America while diminishing the operational capabilities of hostile groups. (15:44-20:19)

Notable Quotes:

• "The enemies of Israel are the enemies of America." — Ben Ferguson (15:44)

• "This is an enormous victory for this country." — Ben Ferguson on Hezbollah's elimination (17:00)

• "Hamas leader Ismail Haniya was assassinated in Tehran, Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard said early Wednesday." — AP Report read by Ben Ferguson (16:30)

4. Security Breaches at Quantico Military Base

Overview:
The episode delves into a recent security lapse at Quantico Marine Corps Base, where two Jordanian illegal immigrants attempted to breach the facility and were subsequently released on bail, posing a significant national security concern.

Key Points:

• Incident Details:
  On May 3rd, two Jordanian nationals, Hassan Yusuf Hamdan and Mohammed Kair Dabus, were arrested for trespassing at Quantico. Both individuals were released on bail despite their actions, raising alarms about the handling of such breaches. (20:59-27:04)

• Quantico's Significance:
  Quantico houses critical national security installations, including the FBI Academy and Defense Intelligence Agency facilities. Unauthorized access attempts here are particularly troubling. (21:20)

• Government Response:
  An unnamed military official corroborates the increase in foreign nationals attempting to penetrate U.S. military bases, attributing it to diverse motivations and highlighting the challenges in distinguishing between malicious intent and benign purposes. (23:17-24:53)

• Administrative Failures:
  Ferguson criticizes the lack of stringent measures by ICE and the broader government for releasing individuals who pose potential threats, emphasizing the urgent need for reform in handling such cases. (25:04-27:04)

Notable Quotes:

• "Big time intel failure, security failure." — Federal Law Enforcement Source (21:10)

• "These types of breaches are happening on a shocking regular basis." — Ted Cruz (22:54)

• "And as I said at the outset, this week is a very good week if you're a terrorist. This week is a very good week if you want to threaten the national security of this country." — Ben Ferguson (27:04)

Conclusion

The episode of The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson provides a stark examination of pressing national security issues, from the potential for terrorist infiltration at the U.S. southern border and accountability lapses within the Secret Service, to successful targeted killings of terrorist leaders in the Middle East and unsettling security breaches at critical military installations. Through incisive commentary and compelling dialogue with Senator Ted Cruz, the podcast underscores the urgent need for robust security measures and transparent accountability to safeguard American lives and uphold national integrity.

For listeners seeking a deeper exploration of these topics, the episode encourages tuning into the full podcast available on the iHeartRadio app or other podcast platforms.