The MeidasTouch Podcast: Trump Caught on Tape as Hell Breaks Loose in Military Blitz
Host: MeidasTouch Network (Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas)
Date: September 11, 2025
Episode Overview
In this emotionally charged episode, the Meiselas brothers break down the disturbing escalation of immigration enforcement under the Trump administration, focusing on a secretive, militarized operation dubbed "Midway Blitz" targeting major U.S. cities—most notably Chicago. The hosts expose chilling stories of ICE raids, community resistance, and the collateral damage inflicted on immigrant families and even their pets, urging listeners to witness and act against what they call "authoritarian" tactics in America. The brothers balance urgent reportage with their trademark brotherly banter and unwavering advocacy for democracy.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Midway Blitz and the Militarization of ICE
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[00:28] Ben details footage of Trump, leaked "caught on camera," enacting a national military plan—"Midway Blitz"—with the intent to invade and control "blue cities" like Chicago. He describes tactics reminiscent of "blitzkrieg":
“What they do first is they send their ICE Gestapo in… they round you up, they beat you, they disappear you… They use any protests as a pretext to declare insurrection…”
(Ben, 00:33) -
The strategy: Sow chaos, collect pretext for martial law, and use force to intimidate and disrupt communities.
2. Personal Testimony: Family Trauma Amidst Raids
- [01:41] A young girl's tearful plea goes viral after her father is abducted in an ICE raid:
“My dad didn’t do nothing. He’s not a criminal. The government, please put your heart, let my parents be free with everybody else. Please don’t leave the child with cryness…”
(Unidentified young girl, 01:57)- The hosts amplify this as a stark example of the human toll.
3. ICE’s Aggressive Tactics in Local Communities
- [02:35–06:40] Ben shares a local story from Van Nuys, LA:
- Pregnant U.S. citizen detained at gunpoint:
- Masked ICE agents shatter a car window, detain a pregnant woman and two men (both legal residents).
- Her father says she was terrified by officers in masks, an incident broadcast on local news.
“She was afraid because they were pointing guns to them. They have masks—who knows who they are.”
(Raul Martinez, 05:01) - Pregnant U.S. citizen detained at gunpoint:
4. Grassroots Resistance to ICE Raids
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[06:40–09:01]
- Rochester, NY: ICE traps two roofers during a storm; 200 protesters block ICE, deflating tires and preventing removal until agents are forced to retreat.
“City by city, state by state, we have to stand up, we have to fight…we’re not standing for this anymore.”
(Community protester, 08:54)- Role of state officials and legal advocates: NY Assemblymember Jen Longsworth underscores legal concerns over warrantless raids.
5. Patterns of Targeting and False Narratives
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[11:39] Ben calls out ICE for targeting working-class Latinos, not dangerous criminals:
“They’re not going after the gang members… They’re arresting innocent Latinos because of how they look. And it is a horrible thing to see.”
(Ben, 11:41) -
Host underscores the disconnect between ICE’s claims and on-the-ground reality.
6. Ramped-Up Raids and National Impact
- [13:52–17:11] Extended coverage of mass ICE raids in Chicago ("Operation Midway Blitz"):
- Hundreds targeted, protests erupt across the city.
- Officials claim to pursue “worst of the worst,” but footage and reporting (NBC, Fox) show peaceful families and communities disrupted.
“People going out in the street and being snatched from their family members is not normal.”
(State leader in Chicago, 14:37)
7. Unintended Victims: Separation of Families and Their Pets
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[17:11–19:38] Uplifting humane efforts contrast with heartbreak:
- Report on pet rescues’ surge due to owners being detained/deported.
“Our neighbor, sadly, is being deported and they are unable to take the dogs with them. So now the dogs need a new home.”
(Neighbor, 18:03)- Host calls this a “heartbreaking” extension of ICE’s toll on communities.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- "Absolutely, absolutely tragic." (Ben, 02:35) — On the emotional testimony of the young girl whose father was taken.
- "They’re here putting on a roof, trying to make a dollar and paying taxes on that dollar and ICE was here bothering them..." (Community member, 08:15)
- “City by city, state by state, we have to stand up, we have to fight…” (Protester, 09:01)
- “What we are experiencing today is not normal.” (State official, 14:05)
- “Dogs deserve good homes.” (Reporter, 19:08)
Key Timestamps
- 00:28 — Trump’s “Midway Blitz” strategy breakdown
- 01:41 — Viral young girl’s plea and impact
- 02:35 — Van Nuys ICE raid: local and national reporting
- 06:40 — Rochester ICE operation and grassroots protest response
- 11:39 — Patterns in ICE targeting, debunking narratives
- 12:32 — Hollywood, CA: Home Depot ICE sweep
- 13:52 — Chicago “Midway Blitz” and protest responses
- 17:11 — The toll of deportations on pets and Humane Society intervention
- 20:11 — Hosts’ closing reflection, call to action
Tone & Language
The episode’s tone is urgent, indignant, and heartfelt. The brothers balance detailed news coverage with raw emotional appeals and caustic critiques of authoritarian tactics, relying on direct witness accounts, news clips, and their own experiences in Los Angeles. They urge ongoing vigilance and support for independent journalism.
Conclusion & Call to Action
The brothers close with a passionate plea for viewers to amplify these stories and support independent journalism:
“Let me know what you think. Absolutely horrific indeed… This is, I think, the most important videos we do here at the Midas Touch Network. Let’s highlight local journalism, citizen journalists. I want to share the stories of people who are suffering every day under this authoritarian Trump regime.”
(Ben, 20:11)
They encourage listeners to share, subscribe, and actively engage to protect democracy and vulnerable communities.
Summary prepared for listeners who missed the episode or seek a concise, comprehensive guide to its content.