The President's Daily Brief: PDB Afternoon Bulletin | January 22nd, 2025

Host: Mike Baker
Release Date: January 22, 2025
Duration: Approximately 20 minutes

Introduction

On January 22, 2025, Mike Baker, a former CIA Operations Officer and host of The President's Daily Brief (PDB) Afternoon Bulletin, delivered a comprehensive update on two pivotal issues shaping America's national security landscape: President Donald Trump's aggressive immigration crackdown and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's urgent call for European peacekeeping forces amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

President Trump's Sweeping Immigration Crackdown

Executive Actions and Policy Shifts

The bulletin opened with a detailed examination of President Trump's immediate and extensive measures to overhaul the U.S. immigration system. Just hours after his inauguration on January 20, Trump issued an executive order declaring a national emergency at the U.S. Southern border. This order resulted in the complete closure of all U.S.-Mexico border crossings for migrants seeking asylum and the suspension of refugee admissions.

Details of the Crackdown:

• Border Closures: All crossings with Mexico are officially shut down, eliminating previous pathways available under the Biden administration.

• Suspension of Refugee Admissions: Migrant admissions have been halted, effectively severing access to asylum previously attainable through the controversial CBP1 cell phone app. This app had allowed approximately 936,000 illegal immigrants to apply for asylum from their home countries before entering the U.S. since January 2023. The program was terminated within minutes of Trump's inauguration.

• Parole Program Suspension: Trump suspended a parole program that permitted migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela to enter the U.S. with sponsors. Since its inception in 2022, around 800,000 migrants benefited from this initiative.

• Refugee Resettlement Halt: A refugee resettlement program has been paused for at least four months.

• Birthright Citizenship Executive Order: An executive order aiming to end birthright citizenship for children born in the U.S. to non-citizen parents was also issued, igniting legal challenges from 22 states arguing it violates the 14th Amendment.

Impact on Migrants and Border Dynamics

The immediate effect of these policies has been a significant reduction in border traffic. Migrants awaiting asylum appointments in Mexico find themselves in precarious limbo, with almost no viable routes to enter the U.S. Andrew Selley, President of the Migration Policy Institute, remarked to CNN, "As of today, there's almost no way of getting protection at the US Border or anywhere along a route to the United States. That's a huge shift."

Mass Deportations

Following the border closures, Trump swiftly moved to implement mass deportations. Tom Holman, Trump's border czar, informed Fox News that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have been directed to prioritize the removal of illegal immigrants residing in the U.S.

Key Points from Tom Holman ([05:03] MM:SS):

• Targeted Deportations: "ICE officers throughout the country were told today, go make arrests of those here illegally that have a public safety threat. So they've deployed target sheets and operational plans to go out in the field. They're out there right now looking for the most serious public safety threats throughout the country," Holman stated.

• Focus on Criminal Records: With over 700,000 illegal immigrants in U.S. cities holding criminal records, the focus is on individuals deemed threats to public safety.

Political and Public Response

Trump's immigration reforms have sparked significant debate across the political spectrum. While some view the measures as necessary for national security, others criticize them as overly harsh and potentially discriminatory. The legal challenges to the birthright citizenship executive order underscore the contentious nature of these policies.

Comparative Context

Mike Baker provided historical context by noting that deportations have been integral to U.S. immigration policy for decades. For instance, during Barack Obama's administration, approximately 400,000 individuals were deported from the country. However, the scale and immediacy of Trump's actions represent a more aggressive stance.

Zelensky Calls for European Commitment to Peacekeeping Troops

Context of the Ukraine Conflict

Shifting focus to international affairs, Baker reported on Ukrainian President Zelenskyy's urgent plea to European allies amid the ongoing war with Russia. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Zelenskyy emphasized Europe's critical role in ensuring continental security and deterring Russian aggression.

Key Points from Zelenskyy's Address:

• Call for 200,000 Troops: Zelenskyy announced, "From all the Europeans, 200,000. It's a minimum. Otherwise, it's nothing," underscoring the necessity for substantial military commitment from European nations to enforce any future peace agreements with Russia.

• European Security Independence: He framed Europe's security as independent and crucial, suggesting reliance solely on shifting U.S. policies under President Trump is insufficient.

• Warning Against Complacency: Highlighting ongoing battles near Ukraine's eastern border in the Kursk region, where North Korean troops are purportedly allied with Moscow, Zelenskyy cautioned European leaders about the continent's vulnerability.

European Response and NATO Involvement

Responses from European leaders have been tepid, reflecting Europe's hesitancy to fully commit to Zelenskyy's demands:

• UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer: Expressed Britain's willingness to "play our full part" but stopped short of committing specific troop numbers.

• France and Other Nations: Discussions with France regarding the deployment of troops in non-combat roles remain inconclusive. Similarly, talks with Poland and Baltic states are ongoing, with concrete commitments yet to materialize.

• NATO Membership: Zelenskyy continues to advocate for Ukraine's NATO membership, labeling it the "best guarantee for Ukraine's security." However, opposition from countries like Germany, Hungary, and Slovakia complicates this objective.

Implications of Russian Military Strength

Zelenskyy warned of Russia's potential to escalate its military presence to 1.5 million troops, a force that would vastly surpass any single European national army's capabilities. To counter this, he urged Europe to invest heavily in military technology, including drones and advanced air defense systems.

Trump's Position on the Conflict

In alignment with Zelenskyy's views, President Trump has suggested that Russian President Putin should seek a political deal to end the prolonged conflict, criticizing Putin for weakening Russia through ongoing warfare. While Zelenskyy appreciated Trump's stance, he remained skeptical about achieving a swift resolution without robust support from European and NATO allies.

Zelenskyy's Strategic Vision

Central to Zelenskyy's appeal is the establishment of a multinational peacekeeping force capable of enforcing peace agreements and preventing future Russian aggression. He emphasized that inaction poses a dangerous gamble, not just for Ukraine but for the security of the entire European continent.

Conclusion

Mike Baker's PDB Afternoon Bulletin on January 22, 2025, provided an incisive analysis of two critical issues affecting U.S. national security and international stability. President Trump's stringent immigration policies signify a dramatic shift in U.S. border management, with far-reaching implications for migrants and international perceptions of America's stance on immigration. Concurrently, President Zelenskyy's appeals for substantial European military support highlight the enduring complexities of the Ukraine conflict and the pivotal role Europe must play in ensuring regional security. As these developments unfold, the interplay between domestic policies and international alliances will continue to shape the geopolitical landscape.

Notable Quotes:

• Andrew Selley, Migration Policy Institute ([02:30]): "As of today, there's almost no way of getting protection at the US Border or anywhere along a route to the United States. That's a huge shift."

• Tom Holman, Trump's Border Czar ([05:03]): "ICE officers throughout the country were told today, go make arrests of those here illegally that have a public safety threat. So they've deployed target sheets and operational plans to go out in the field. They're out there right now looking for the most serious public safety threats throughout the country."

• Volodymyr Zelenskyy ([06:28]): "From all the Europeans, 200,000. It's a minimum. Otherwise, it's nothing."

• President Donald Trump: "Putin is destroying Russia," and "This is what Putin wants and we will not allow this to happen."

Final Notes:

For listeners seeking to engage further with the topics discussed or to provide feedback, Mike Baker invites correspondence at pdb@thefirsttv.com. Additionally, the PDB team, including interns, curates listener questions and comments for their monthly Ask Me Anything episode, fostering a community-driven dialogue around national and international issues.

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