The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson
Episode: Worst of the Worst: ICE Targets Convicted Child Predators in Houston Sweep
Release Date: July 29, 2025
Host: Ben Ferguson
Produced by: Premiere Networks

Introduction

In this episode of The 47 Morning Update, host Ben Ferguson delves into two major stories impacting American communities: the surge in ICE arrests targeting convicted child sex offenders in Houston, and the unraveling scandal surrounding the Obama phone program coupled with fraudulent activities related to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).

1. ICE Targets Convicted Child Predators in Houston Sweep

Overview: Ben Ferguson reports on a significant crackdown by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) targeting illegal alien individuals convicted of child sex offenses in the Houston, Texas area. Over the past six months, ICE has arrested 214 illegal aliens for immigration offenses, all of whom have been charged or convicted of sex offenses involving minors. This number surpasses the total arrests made during the entire 2024 fiscal year by the Houston field office, which was 211.

Key Points:

• Multi-Agency Collaboration: The increase in arrests is attributed to a comprehensive, multi-agency approach established during the Trump administration. This strategy involves collaboration between various federal law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, ATF, DEA, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Diplomatic Security Services, and the U.S. Marshals Service, alongside state and local law enforcement.

• Enhanced Enforcement Operations: According to Paul McBride, Acting Field Director of ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations in Houston, the focus is on removing the "worst of the worst criminal aliens" to ensure safer communities and stronger national security.

  "Bringing together the resources and expertise of the entire federal law enforcement community to confront the overwhelming surge of illegal immigration… has resulted in the arrest and removal of historic numbers of violent criminal aliens, transnational gang members, and child sex offenders." ([06:43])

• Notable Arrests:

  • Jesus Gutierrez (67): A three-time deported criminal from Mexico, convicted of aggravated sexual assault of a child and driving while intoxicated. Removed to Mexico on April 4th.

    "He was a 67-year-old three-time deported criminal alien from Mexico." ([07:14])

  • George Zebra (48): Convicted of two counts of aggravated sexual assault of a minor and sexual indecency with a minor. Removed to Mexico on March 24th.

    "George Zebra… convicted of not one but two counts of aggravated sexual assault of a minor." ([07:22])

  • Manuel Antonio Castro (37): From El Salvador, convicted of sexual assault of a minor and twice for illegal re-entry. Pending removal.

    "Manuel Antonio Castro… convicted of sexual assault of a minor and twice for illegal re-entry." ([07:22])

  • Jose Meza (40): A four-time deported criminal from Mexico, convicted of theft and sexual assault of a child. Removed to Mexico on June 25th.

    "Jose Meza is a 40-year-old… convicted of theft and sexual assault of a child." ([08:10])

  • Sergio Rolando (45): A three-time deported criminal from Mexico, convicted of DWI and aggravated sexual assault of a child. Removed to Mexico on July 14th.

    "Sergio Rolando… convicted of DWI and aggravated sexual assault of a child." ([08:22])

Implications: The significant increase in arrests highlights the administration's commitment to enforcing immigration laws and prioritizing the removal of individuals posing the greatest threats to public safety. This approach aims to reclaim control over immigration processes and ensure that communities remain secure.

2. Obama Phone Scam and PPP Fraud Scandal

Overview: The episode shifts focus to expose the corruption within the Obama phone program, initially designed to provide free or subsidized cell phone service to low-income individuals. The program, intended as a means to support vulnerable populations, became a vehicle for fraud and abuse, culminating in legal actions against key figures involved.

Key Points:

• Obama Phone Program Misuse: Originally part of the Lifeline program established in the 1980s to offer home phone service to those in need, it transitioned to subsidized cell phone services. The program was exploited to "buy votes," as evidenced by a 2012 incident where a woman openly stated her support for Obama in exchange for receiving a free phone.

  "The Obama phone was real and it was a way to buy votes." ([10:57])

• Case of Issa Assad and Q Link Wireless LLC:

  • Fraudulent Activities: Issa Assad, CEO of Q Link Wireless LLC, pled guilty to conspiring to commit wire fraud and illegally obtaining federal funds from the Lifeline program.
  • PPP Misuse: Assad engaged in unlawful financial transactions involving approximately $389,000 of PPP funds, diverting them to personal expenses such as a Land Rover payment, personal credit cards, jewelry, and property taxes.
  • Legal Consequences: Assad is sentenced to five years in prison and ordered to pay a $128 million fine for defrauding the government. Additionally, Assad has a prior misdemeanor conviction related to an incident involving vehicular negligence.

    "The owner of a Florida telecommunications company will spend the next five years in prison and has been ordered to pay a $128 million fine after defrauding the government." ([13:14])

• Ongoing Corruption: Despite Assad's sentencing, the Obama phone program continues to operate, raising concerns about its integrity and the potential for further abuse. The episode emphasizes the need for the Trump administration to investigate and rectify the program's shortcomings.

  "Is the program still corrupt as hell? Yes. And is it time that the Trump administration look into it?" ([15:26])

• Broader Implications: The scandal underscores systemic vulnerabilities in federal assistance programs, highlighting how they can be manipulated for personal gain. This calls for stricter oversight and reform to prevent future abuses and ensure that government aid reaches its intended recipients.

Implications: The exposure of fraud within the Obama phone and PPP programs illustrates the risks of insufficient oversight in large-scale government initiatives. It also underscores the importance of accountability and the need for leadership to address and eliminate corruption to restore public trust.

Conclusion

In this episode, Ben Ferguson sheds light on critical issues affecting national security and government accountability. The aggressive actions by ICE in Houston demonstrate a commitment to public safety by targeting criminal aliens with severe offenses. Concurrently, the revelations surrounding the Obama phone scam and PPP fraud highlight significant lapses in government programs, emphasizing the necessity for transparent and accountable administration. Listeners are encouraged to stay informed and engage with initiatives that support national security and ethical governance.

Notable Quotes:

• "Bringing together the resources and expertise of the entire federal law enforcement community to confront the overwhelming surge of illegal immigration…" — Paul McBride, ICE Acting Field Director ([06:43])

• "The Obama phone was real and it was a way to buy votes." — News Anchor ([10:57])

• "Is the program still corrupt as hell? Yes. And is it time that the Trump administration look into it?" — News Anchor ([15:26])

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