A Special Message from Jim about his dad, a Cuban refugee, and what the deportation of an 11 year old US citizen to Mexico says about America.

Podcast Summary: A Special Message from Jim about His Dad, a Cuban Refugee, and What the Deportation of an 11-Year-Old US Citizen to Mexico Says About America

Podcast Information

Title: The Jim Acosta Show
Host: Jim Acosta
Episode: A Special Message from Jim about his dad, a Cuban refugee, and what the deportation of an 11-year-old US citizen to Mexico says about America.
Release Date: May 14, 2025
Description: Don't give into the lies. Don't give into fear. Hold on to the truth. And hope.

In this heartfelt episode, Jim Acosta delivers a poignant message intertwining personal history with current socio-political issues. Drawing from his family's immigrant experience, Acosta reflects on the values of compassion and community support, contrasting them with the present-day policies and attitudes towards immigrants in the United States.

1. Reflecting on His Father's Immigration Journey [00:00 - 05:30]

Jim Acosta begins by sharing the story of his father, a Cuban refugee who arrived in the United States in 1962 at the age of 11, just weeks before the Cuban Missile Crisis. He recounts how his father navigated the challenges of adapting to a new country during a more conservative era under President John F. Kennedy.

“My dad, when he came to this country from Cuba back in 1962… he was 11 years old… a more conservative time in this country…” ([00:00])

Acosta emphasizes the pivotal role education played in his father's assimilation, highlighting a compassionate teacher at Vienna Elementary School in Fairfax County, Virginia, who dedicated extra time each day to teach him reading and writing.

“There was a teacher… spent time with them so he could learn how to read and write.” ([00:00])

2. Acts of Kindness and Community Support [05:31 - 10:15]

The narrative shifts to the supportive community that welcomed his father and grandmother. Acosta shares touching anecdotes about the Presbyterian Church in Vienna, Virginia, which provided his family with essential winter clothing during their first harsh winters in the U.S.

“The Presbyterian Church in Vienna, Virginia, provided them with sweaters and coats.” ([00:00])

He recalls his father’s memories of his first snowfall and the warmth extended by neighbors, illustrating the embodiment of American kindness and generosity.

3. Experiences of Racism and Bigotry [10:16 - 15:45]

Despite the overarching kindness, Acosta does not shy away from acknowledging the presence of racism and bigotry his father encountered. He shares a personal experience of witnessing a racist incident at a Baltimore Orioles game, where a fan hurled an epithet at the Cuban baseball player Jose Canseco.

“Somebody hurled a racist epithet at that baseball player right in front of my dad. And it made me feel terrible.” ([00:00])

This incident underscores the persistent undercurrent of discrimination faced by Hispanic and Cuban communities, even amidst supportive environments.

4. Current Concerns: Deportation of an 11-Year-Old US Citizen [15:46 - 20:00]

Acosta brings the discussion to the present, expressing deep concern over the deportation of an 11-year-old US citizen to Mexico. He draws parallels between his father's experience and the current tragic situation, highlighting the loss of compassion in immigration policies.

“What scares me about the time that we're in the middle of right now is that this bigotry, this racism… is teaching other people in this country to hate newcomers.” ([00:00])

5. Critique of Current Administration and Policies [20:01 - 25:30]

The host sharply criticizes the current administration, led by Donald Trump and influenced by figures like Stephen Miller, for fostering an environment of cruelty and authoritarianism. He condemns the behavior of ICE agents, describing their actions as "absolute cruelty."

“This is not who we are. The country that I think we are is represented by the people who helped my dad… That's the America that I know.” ([00:00])

Acosta argues that the current direction contradicts the foundational American values of kindness and empathy, urging a return to these principles.

6. Call to Action: Advocating for Compassion and Change [25:31 - 30:45]

Jim Acosta makes a compelling appeal to both ICE agents and the broader American populace. He encourages ICE agents who are disillusioned with their roles to come forward and share their stories, thereby exposing the inhumanity of current immigration enforcement practices.

“I would encourage those ICE agents, if you are a part of it and you're ashamed of it, you don't want to be a part of it. Talk to somebody in the press.” ([00:00])

Additionally, Acosta calls on citizens to speak out against the prevailing cruelty, emphasizing that collective action is essential to halt the deterioration of America's moral standing.

“Somebody has to say something because it's only going to get worse. And this is not who we are.” ([00:00])

7. Conclusion: Embracing America's Better Angels [30:46 - End]

Concluding his message, Acosta invokes the notion of "the better angels," a reference to Abraham Lincoln, to inspire hope and reaffirm belief in America's capacity for goodness and compassion.

“We're the better angels that are always calling to us from inside of us.” ([00:00])

He reminisces about the America that embraced his family and served as a beacon of hope, urging listeners to reclaim those values.

“The America that I know is represented by the people who helped my dad… That's the America that we should be.” ([00:00])

Jim Acosta wraps up the episode with gratitude towards his listeners and key individuals who supported him, reinforcing his commitment to truth and integrity in these challenging times.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

Jim Acosta [00:00]: “There was a teacher… spent time with them so he could learn how to read and write.”
Jim Acosta [00:00]: “Somebody hurled a racist epithet at that baseball player right in front of my dad. And it made me feel terrible.”
Jim Acosta [00:00]: “This is not who we are. The country that I think we are is represented by the people who helped my dad…”
Jim Acosta [00:00]: “We're the better angels that are always calling to us from inside of us.”

Key Takeaways

Personal History as a Lens: Acosta uses his father's immigration story to highlight the values of compassion and community support that facilitated integration and success.
Current Challenges: He draws attention to the harsh realities of current immigration policies, emphasizing the emotional and moral implications of deporting young US citizens.
Call for Compassion: The episode serves as a rallying cry for Americans to return to foundational values of empathy and kindness, challenging the prevailing narrative of bigotry and cruelty.
Activism and Advocacy: Acosta urges both officials within institutions like ICE and the general populace to take a stand against inhumane practices, advocating for systemic change.
Hope and Resilience: Despite the grim assessment, there remains an undercurrent of hope, anchored in the belief that America's better angels will prevail.

This episode of The Jim Acosta Show is a moving testament to the enduring spirit of American kindness and the urgent need to uphold these values in the face of contemporary challenges. Through personal anecdotes and incisive critique, Jim Acosta not only honors his father's legacy but also inspires listeners to contribute to a more compassionate and just society.