The Five Podcast Summary: ICE Agents Targeted In 2 Separate Ambushes

Host/Author: FOX News Radio
Release Date: July 8, 2025

1. Introduction

In this episode of The Five, host Jesse Waters and panelists Emily Compagno, Harold Ford Jr., Dana Perino, and Greg Gutfeld delve into the troubling rise of violent actions against ICE agents, examining the potential political motivations behind these attacks. Additionally, the discussion touches upon President Trump's recent cabinet meeting, his nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize, Biden's campaign strategies, the Texas floods, and lighter topics like changes in TSA security protocols.

2. ICE Ambushes and Democratic Rhetoric

Overview:
The episode opens with alarm over two separate ambushes targeting ICE facilities within three days. Ten suspects have been charged with attempted murder following these coordinated attacks, which involved military-style gear and heavy armament aimed at slaughtering ICE agents. One officer was injured but survived the ordeal.

Key Discussions:

• Democratic Voter Influence:
  Jesse Waters highlights a concerning trend where Democrat voters appear to be inciting violence against ICE agents. He references House Democrat lawmakers who conveyed to Axios that their base demands "blood to grab the attention of the press and the public."

  Jesse Waters [00:31]: "...our own base is telling us that we're not doing good enough and that there needs to be blood to grab the attention of the press and the public."

• Progressive Strategies:
  Emily Compagno discusses non-violent resistance tactics employed by progressives, such as encircling courtrooms to block ICE operations.

  Emily Compagno [01:43]: "Some of the most inspiring things have been when people encircle courtrooms and refuse to allow ICE agents in."

• Harold Ford Jr. on Rhetoric:
  Harold Ford Jr. criticizes Democratic rhetoric that dehumanizes ICE, equating it to Nazis and terrorist organizations, thereby emboldening fringe groups to commit violent acts.

  Harold Ford Jr. [02:17]: "These nuts that want to take it beyond protest into criminal activity... compare ICE to the Nazis... these fringe groups feel emboldened."

3. Analysis of the Attackers' Sophistication

Overview:
The panel assesses the level of organization and planning behind the ICE ambushes, suggesting a significant escalation from typical Antifa activities.

Key Discussions:

• Sophistication of the Attacks:
  Emily Compagno points out the high level of coordination and resources evident in the attacks, noting the use of body armor and two-way radios.

  Emily Compagno [07:24]: "There had 12 sets of body armor. They had like shortwave two-way radios. It was a massive amount of resources and organization."

• Transgender Representation:
  Greg Gutfeld raises questions about the presence of transgender individuals in such violent activities, challenging the stereotype associated with Antifa.

  Greg Gutfeld [04:37]: "Why is there always a high percentage of trans in either antifa or any of these violent activities?"

• Domestic Terror Implications:
  The discussion shifts to the possibility that these attacks signify a rise in domestic terrorism, emphasizing the premeditated nature of the assaults.

  Emily Compagno [07:24]: "This is a deliberate fomentation of violence... this is not just someone making signs in the town square."

4. President Trump’s Cabinet Meeting and Nobel Peace Prize Nomination

Overview:
The conversation transitions to President Trump's recent cabinet meeting, highlighting his policy achievements and the humorous moment of Netanyahu nominating him for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Key Discussions:

• Policy Accomplishments:
  Emily Compagno details the "big beautiful bill" discussed during the cabinet meeting, including infrastructure investments, energy subsidies, and hostage negotiations.

  Emily Compagno [20:35]: "Secretary Rollins talked about farming as a matter of national security... Special Envoy Steve Witkoff discussed hostage returns."

• Nobel Peace Prize Nomination:
  The panel humorously reacts to Netanyahu's unexpected nomination of Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize.

  Greg Gutfeld [16:13]: "It's nominating you for the Peace Prize... Which is well deserved, and you should get it."

  Harold Ford Jr. [19:50]: "If he brings an end to the war in Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas conflict, he deserves it."

5. Biden’s Presidency and Campaign Strategies

Overview:
Dana Perino introduces insights from a forthcoming book that criticizes Biden's campaign strategies, particularly the decision to engage in an early debate with Trump, which ultimately backfired.

Key Discussions:

• Early Debate Strategy Failures:
  The panel discusses how Biden's early debate, encouraged by his staffers, failed to provide the intended advantage and instead exposed vulnerabilities.

  Dana Perino [25:03]: "Staffers pushed Biden for an early debate thinking it would give him an advantage. Spoiler alert. It did not."

• Family and Advisor Influence:
  Harold Ford Jr. reflects on the difficulty advisors face in advising a president in decline and the lasting impact of Biden's decision to pursue a second term despite internal warnings.

  Harold Ford Jr. [30:45]: "It's very hard... to digest the fact that he's most responsible for us losing to Donald Trump."

• Policy Achievements Despite Challenges:
  Despite the campaign mishaps, Ford acknowledges some of Biden's policy achievements, such as supporting Ukraine and investing in domestic semiconductor production.

  Harold Ford Jr. [32:51]: "He was the first to give Ukraine weapons... invest in building semiconductor chips."

6. Texas Floods and Political Implications

Overview:
The panel addresses the recent devastating floods in Texas, critiquing the Democratic media's tendency to politicize natural disasters by blaming Republican leaders.

Key Discussions:

• Media Blame on Trump:
  Dana Perino criticizes the liberal media for attributing the Texas floods to President Trump's policies, arguing that such disasters should not be politicized.

  Dana Perino [33:31]: "The liberal media wants to blame President Trump for the deadly Texas floods."

• Non-Partisan Response Advocacy:
  Emily Compagno emphasizes focusing on relief efforts rather than assigning political blame, urging listeners to concentrate on aiding the victims.

  Emily Compagno [36:49]: "Our job is to focus on the victims, on the relief efforts, on donating and praying for Texas, and not give any more oxygen to that noise."

7. TSA Security Changes

Overview:
Shifting to lighter topics, the panel discusses the recent decision to allow passengers to keep their shoes on during TSA security screenings, highlighting its impact on travelers.

Key Discussions:

• Benefit of the Change:
  Dana Perino welcomes the change, noting the convenience it brings to travelers who previously had to remove their shoes.

  Dana Perino [39:43]: "Everyone understood at the time, but we don't need to do it anymore. And this is great."

• Humorous Banter on Footwear:
  The panel engages in light-hearted conversation about shoe choices, with Greg Gutfeld and Emily Compagno sharing their preferences.

  Greg Gutfeld [40:04]: "I can wear my tall boots. I didn't want to slow down the line."

8. Conclusion

The episode wraps up with final thoughts on the discussed topics, reinforcing the need for accountability in political rhetoric, bipartisan cooperation in crisis response, and a focus on humanitarian efforts over political blame.

Harold Ford Jr. [37:54]: "It's a public safety and humanity comment. We ought to figure out whatever it is they need that we are in the business of providing it."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Jesse Waters [00:31]: "...our own base is telling us that we're not doing good enough and that there needs to be blood to grab the attention of the press and the public."

• Harold Ford Jr. [02:17]: "These nuts that want to take it beyond protest into criminal activity... compare ICE to the Nazis... these fringe groups feel emboldened."

• Emily Compagno [07:24]: "There had 12 sets of body armor. They had like shortwave two-way radios. It was a massive amount of resources and organization."

• Greg Gutfeld [16:13]: "It's nominating you for the Peace Prize... Which is well deserved, and you should get it."

• Dana Perino [25:03]: "Staffers pushed Biden for an early debate thinking it would give him an advantage. Spoiler alert. It did not."

• Harold Ford Jr. [32:51]: "He was the first to give Ukraine weapons... invest in building semiconductor chips."

• Emily Compagno [36:49]: "Our job is to focus on the victims, on the relief efforts, on donating and praying for Texas, and not give any more oxygen to that noise."

This summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting the key discussions on political rhetoric leading to violence, critiques of Democratic strategies, insights into Trump’s administration actions, and commentary on current events like the Texas floods and changes in TSA policies. Notable quotes provide direct insights into each panelist's viewpoints, ensuring that listeners who haven't tuned in can grasp the episode's critical points and debates.