The Five Podcast Episode Summary: "L.A. Braces For 6th Day Of Anti-ICE Riots"

Release Date: June 11, 2025
Host/Authors: Sandra Smith, Paul Morrow, Jessica Tarlov, Jesse Waters, Brian Kilmeade
Description: "The Five" delves into the pressing topics capturing national attention, featuring spirited discussions and debates among five influential voices. This episode focuses on the escalating anti-ICE riots in Los Angeles and their nationwide repercussions.

1. Escalation of Anti-ICE Riots Across Major U.S. Cities

Overview:
The episode opens with host Sandra Smith introducing the growing unrest sparked by anti-ICE sentiments, highlighting that Los Angeles is preparing for a potential sixth day of riots. These protests have not been confined to LA but have also spread to cities like Seattle, Chicago, Denver, and even New York City.

Notable Incidents:

• In New York, protesters have recently blocked traffic, impeding daily commutes. Sandra Smith references an incident where a woman was prevented from reaching her workplace due to the unrest (00:05).

Participant Reactions:

• Paul Morrow expresses concern over the disruption caused to everyday life, questioning the impact on families and employment (00:59).
• Jessica Tarlov adds a dimension of racial tension, questioning the consequences for a Black woman being barred from work (01:02).

Key Quote:

"The riots that started in LA, now spreading nationwide to other US Cities, Seattle, Chicago, Denver, and right here in New York City..." — Sandra Smith (00:05)

2. Governor Gavin Newsom vs. President Trump's Response

Governor's Stance:
Gavin Newsom emphasizes a firm approach to handling the riots, affirming the continuation of curfews and the prosecution of violent protesters. He underscores the administration's commitment to maintaining law and order, drawing parallels to past federal interventions during civil unrest.

President Trump's Intervention:
President Trump has responded by sending military forces to Los Angeles, a move criticized by Governor Newsom as an overreach of presidential power. Jesse Waters fervently opposes Trump's decision, labeling it an "abuse of power" that jeopardizes public safety and democracy (01:41).

Debate on Arresting the Governor:
Sandra Smith brings up President Trump's musings about arresting Governor Newsom, prompting Brian Kilmeade and Paul Morrow to discuss the improbability and implications of such an action (02:24).

Key Quote:

"This brazen abuse of power by a sitting president inflamed a combustible situation..." — Jesse Waters (01:41)

3. Immigration Policies and Deportations

Trump's Deportation Strategy:
The discussion shifts to President Trump's aggressive deportation policies, which have targeted not just criminals but also law-abiding immigrants. Jessica Tarlov highlights a Quinnipiac poll indicating significant public disapproval of Trump's handling of immigration, with approval ratings plummeting to negative figures across various categories (05:20).

Impact on Immigrant Communities:

• Trump’s policies have instilled fear among undocumented immigrants, disrupting their lives and livelihoods.
• Paul Morrow references Stephen Miller's dissatisfaction with lower deportation rates under Biden, leading to more aggressive tactics (06:08).

Legislative Challenges:
Jessica Tarlov notes the GOP's unanimous support for mass deportations, contrasted with a fractured Democratic response. Senator John Fetterman emerges as a lone voice advocating for targeted deportations, focusing on criminals rather than general undocumented populations (15:02).

Key Quote:

"He has taken his best issue and decimated it by making these deportations in a hasty way..." — Jessica Tarlov (05:20)

4. Internal Conflicts within the Democratic Party

Democratic Fractures:
The episode delves into the internal struggles within the Democratic Party over handling the riots and immigration issues. John Fetterman criticizes Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) for her stance on immigration and law enforcement, highlighting a divide between moderates and more progressive members (13:11).

Senator Fetterman's Position:
Fetterman advocates for law and order, calling out violent protests and supporting the use of law enforcement to maintain peace. He contrasts his views with those of AOC, who he accuses of being disconnected from the realities faced by citizens (14:36).

Key Quote:

"Don't burn stuff, don't loot, don't attack cops. But AOC has got her earmuffs on." — Jesse Waters (14:38)

5. Polls and Public Opinion

Negative Sentiment Towards Trump:
Jessica Tarlov cites a new Quinnipiac poll revealing that President Trump holds a negative approval rating of 12% overall, with even harsher disapproval in areas like immigration (negative 11%) and deportations (negative 16%) (07:08).

Immigrant Voter Shift:
The podcast highlights a significant shift among immigrant voters, who are increasingly supporting the GOP on immigration issues. This trend is attributed to the aggressive and often indiscriminate deportation tactics employed by ICE under Trump's directives (15:02).

Key Quote:

"40 point shift to the right among immigrant voters. Republicans now lead on this issue by 8 points over Democrats." — Jesse Waters (15:09)

6. Elon Musk's Apology to President Trump

Public Feud and Reconciliation:
Elon Musk publicly apologized to President Trump for his previous harsh remarks, acknowledging that some of his posts went "too far." This move has sparked discussions about their strained relationship and the potential for future collaborations (21:23).

Political Implications:
Brian Kilmeade expresses a mix of surprise and disappointment over Musk's apology, suggesting that while reconciliatory gestures occur, trust remains fragile between the two figures (22:25).

Key Quote:

"I regret some of my posts about President Trump last week. They went too far." — Elon Musk (21:49)

7. Simone Biles and Riley Gaines Feud

Conflict Overview:
The episode transitions to the sports arena, focusing on gymnast Simone Biles' public apology to Riley Gaines following a heated dispute over transgender athletes in women's sports. Biles criticized Gaines, labeling her a "sick" and "sore loser," which ignited significant backlash (29:17).

Public Apologies and Responses:
Simone Biles retracted her statements, emphasizing her commitment to fairness and competitive equity. Riley Gaines accepted the apology and extended an olive branch, inviting Biles to collaborate in advocating for women's sports integrity (30:27).

Key Quote:

"I was not advocating for policies that compromise fairness in women's sports. I believe sports organizations have a responsibility to come up with rules supporting inclusion while maintaining fair competition." — Simone Biles (30:51)

8. Greta Thunberg's Deportation by Israel

Incident Recap:
Greta Thunberg, the renowned environmental activist, was deported back to Sweden by Israel after her attempt to sail to Gaza. This episode covers the circumstances leading to her detention and subsequent deportation.

Public and Host Reactions:
Jesse Waters and Jessica Tarlov express skepticism and criticism towards Thunberg's actions and the responses from both Israeli authorities and the media. They question the effectiveness and motives behind her activism, suggesting it disrupts rather than contributes to meaningful dialogue (35:48).

Key Quote:

"Greta Thunberg was deported back to Sweden after attempting to sail to Gaza." — Jessica Tarlov (36:09)

9. Concluding Discussions and Future Outlook

Ongoing Unrest and Political Ramifications:
The panelists discuss the potential for ongoing unrest leading up to significant events like the Los Angeles Olympics. Gavin Newsom warns of escalating tensions and the necessity for swift governmental action to prevent further chaos (35:07).

Final Thoughts:
The hosts wrap up by reinforcing the themes of law and order, criticizing both Democratic inaction and Republican overreach in handling the riots and immigration issues. They emphasize the need for balanced policies that protect citizens while respecting legal frameworks (40:34).

Key Quote:

"America wants law and order." — Gavin Newsom (10:42)

Insights and Conclusions

This episode of "The Five" provides a comprehensive analysis of the multifaceted issues surrounding the anti-ICE riots in Los Angeles and their spread across the United States. Key takeaways include:

• Government Response: A stark contrast between Governor Newsom's localized approach and President Trump's federal intervention highlights the tension between state and federal authorities during crises.

• Immigration Debate: Aggressive deportation policies under Trump are under intense scrutiny, with significant portions of the public and even immigrant communities expressing disapproval.

• Political Dynamics: The Democratic Party faces internal conflicts over handling law and order issues, potentially affecting future electoral outcomes.

• Public Figures and Activism: High-profile disputes, such as those involving Elon Musk and Simone Biles, illustrate the intersection of politics, social issues, and media influence.

Overall, the discussion underscores the complexity of managing civil unrest, immigration policies, and maintaining public trust amidst polarized political landscapes.

Note: All timestamps correspond to the segment of the podcast where the respective topics and quotes were discussed.