The MeidasTouch Podcast
Episode: "All Hell Breaks Loose as Trump Suffers Fatal Backlash"
Date: December 28, 2025
Hosts: Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas
Episode Overview
In this intense and emotionally charged episode, the Meiselas brothers dive into a surge of authoritarian actions under Donald Trump’s administration. They focus primarily on the recent, militarized activities of ICE and Border Patrol—highlighting disturbing incidents during the holidays where immigrant families and community members faced violent detentions, property seizures, and intimidation. The episode draws on citizen journalism, direct footage, and eyewitness testimony to paint a chilling portrait of what the hosts call America moving "past constitutional crisis" into authoritarian rule, urging listeners to spread awareness and resist these tactics.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The Escalation of Authoritarianism Under Trump
- Ben Meiselas opens with a warning:
"All hell is breaking loose across the United States as Donald Trump gets more desperate... We're not in a constitutional crisis. We are past it. There is an authoritarian regime right now engaging in Nazi-like tactics." (00:30)
- The hosts emphasize the systematic nature of the crackdown, comparing ICE and Border Patrol actions to "Gestapo" tactics and positioning the show as a critical source for exposing these events.
2. Shocking Holiday Detentions of Community Members
A. Pastor Assaulted and Detained – Lewiston, Maine
- ICE agents forcibly detain a pastor on Christmas Eve, even after he shows his ID.
- A witness shouts, "He's a pastor. You're beating a pastor!" as ICE agents ignore pleas and escalate violence. (02:20, 12:09)
- The incident highlights the disregard for sanctuary, faith leaders, and basic decency during the holiday season.
B. Family Separation and Property Seizure – Yakima, Washington
- A father detained while Christmas shopping; agents steal the family's groceries and refuse to let witnesses contact the man’s wife.
- ICE agent retorts, "Those groceries belong to us now..." when asked if they could call the detained person's spouse. (03:54)
- Witness's emotional outburst: "Guys are pieces of... Merry Christmas. Piece of... Got your plates?" (04:38)
C. Mother Torn From Son Outside Courthouse
- Described by Ben as "truly, truly tragic," a mother—pastor and asylum-seeker with an active case—detained moments after receiving a continuance in court.
- The pain of family separation is captured as she says goodbye to her child before being handcuffed and taken away (05:42).
3. ICE’s Aggressive and Intrusive Tactics
A. Searching Private Property
- Video revealed ICE agents rummaging through citizens' mailboxes in search of targets—raising concerns about legality and privacy (08:17).
B. Community Documentation and Retaliation
- Arturo Gonzalez, a well-known local activist in San Diego, is detained and his property impounded as reprisal for filming ICE conduct.
- Gonzalez passionately confronts ICE: "You're a Nazi. That's what you are. I'm protecting my people from you... Stop kidnapping my family members." (18:11)
- Upon his release, he shares,
"ICE has been filing false police reports against him... but I'm going to be out there one way or another. They are not going to stop me this easy. I'm not going away." (18:41)
C. Public Confrontations
- Citizens in Philadelphia recognize and confront an ICE agent, who appears visibly uncomfortable and tries to avoid interaction (09:17).
4. The Psychological Toll on Children and Families
- In Corona, CA, ICE agents arrested a father on Christmas while making his children watch. Kids were handcuffed and a child's phone was violently taken and broken by agents:
- "ICE arrested a father on Christmas morning, handcuffed his kids and made them watch... Chill, we're kids. They cry right before the agent violently rips away the phone from a kid, breaking it." (15:03)
- Witnesses documenting the incident are also subjected to arrest and intimidation.
5. Call to Action and Support
- The hosts repeatedly urge sharing such evidence, following and supporting independent media, and standing with legal observers and organizations like the Sidewalk School (05:42).
- Ben Meiselas closes with the imperative:
"Really sad tragic events but I think it's critical that we bring it to you here on the Meidas Touch network and explain what's going on. Everybody hit subscribe. Let's get to 6 million subscribers and thank you so much for watching..." (19:55)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- Ben Meiselas:
"We're not in a constitutional crisis. We are past it. There is an authoritarian regime right now engaging in Nazi-like tactics and it is important for us, we the people, to resist." (00:30) - Witness in Lewiston, Maine:
"He's a pastor. You're beating a pastor!... God will judge you. You're taking people from their kids, you're leaving them alone and you're doing this on Christmas." (02:20, 12:09) - Yakima Grocery Seizure Witness:
"Those groceries belong to us now." — ICE Agent (03:54) - Arturo Gonzalez:
"You're a Nazi. That's what you are. I'm protecting my people from you... Stop kidnapping my family members." (18:11)
"I do not care. They are not going to stop me this easy. I'm not going away." (18:41) - Scene in Corona, CA:
"[ICE agent] Chill, we're kids. I don't give a f***, look at what you're doing, though." (15:11)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Intense Opening & Theme: 00:30
- Lewiston, ME Pastor Detention: 02:20, 11:23, 12:09
- Yakima, WA: Grocery Seizure & Family Separation: 03:54, 04:38
- Mother Detained After Hearing: 05:42
- ICE Agents Searching Mailboxes: 08:17
- Philadelphia: ICE Agent Spotted & Confronted: 09:17
- Corona, CA: Children Handcuffed & Family Trauma: 15:03
- Arturo Gonzalez’s Detention/Statement: 16:50, 18:11, 18:41
- Call to Action & Close: 19:55
Final Notes
The episode is an emotional, boots-on-the-ground chronicle of escalating ICE and Border Patrol activity under the Trump administration. The Meiselas brothers combine urgent reporting with impassioned pleas for civic action and support for affected families and independent watchdogs. The tone is one of resistance, solidarity, and a call to confront what the hosts describe as an "authoritarian regime" taking root in America.
For those who want to witness or share these events: The episode puts a spotlight on the importance of citizen journalism, direct documentation, and rapid dissemination of the truth.
This summary captures the spirit, facts, and urgent message of the episode, giving listeners the context, details, and emotional highlights of an episode documenting a fraught and pivotal moment in recent American history.