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Mike Baker
Your burger is served. And this is our finest Pepsi Zero Sugar. Its sweet profile perfectly balances the savory notes of your burger. That is one perfect combination. Burgers deserve pepsi. It's Tuesday, the 10th of June. Welcome to the PDB Afternoon Bulletin, Mike, I'm Mike Baker, your eyes and ears on the world stage. All right, let's get briefed. We'll start things off with an update on the unrest in Los Angeles as border czar Tom Homan slams what he described as dishonest reporting on Immigration and Customs Enforcement or ICE operations in the city, partly blaming the media spin machine for the riots. We'll take a look at that spin machine later in the show. Israel suffers a potentially devastating security breach as Iran claims it's seized thousands of intelligence docum detailing Israel's nuclear program. But first, in today's afternoon spotlight, we're beginning to learn more about the ICE operations at the center of the violent riots that have engulfed Los Angeles over this past weekend and how critical factual omissions by the media. I'm sure that's not the first time that's happened, may have fueled the unrest or as Gavin Newsom, California's top grammarian, said in a social media post, flamed the fire. Still trying to figure that phrase out. On Monday, Trump administration border czar Tom Homan attempted to set the record straight, criticizing the mainstream media for their portrayal of the actions of ICE agents. During an appearance on MSNBC's Morning Joe, Homan said the media was partly to blame for the chaos that erupted over the weekend, saying that they failed to report the real reasons why ICE agents were operating in the fashion district of Los Angeles last week. That's according to a report from Fox News. First, Homan rejected the term raids to describe ICE operations, instead saying that his agents were engaged in targeted enforcement operations based on long standing criminal investigations. Despite that information being available to the media, however, he said most outlets chose to portray the actions as random, wide ranging immigration raids that were indiscriminately separating families. Holman stated, quote, the facts never got out. Even though we put the facts out, the media didn't cover it. They just said, quote, immigration raids and that we're separating families and all the negative information we hear all the time, end quote. So you ask yourself, what are the facts? Holman said that late last week ICE agents executed three criminal warrants at locations linked to a large criminal conspiracy that the agency was investigating involving money laundering, tax evasion and customs fraud. One company in question had allegedly brought in over $87 million in goods while failing to pay some $17 million in tariff taxes, with some of their proceeds reportedly being used to fund cartel activity in Mexico and Colombia. According to a report From New Nation, ICE agents arrested 40 people during the operation that were working at the company illegally. Additionally, ICE agents arrested a number of violent criminals, including a Vietnamese national wanted for murdering two teenagers, several individuals convicted of rape and domestic violence, and several child sex predators. Homan said, quote, we took a lot of bad people off the street the last couple of days. We arrested a child predator, we arrested someone for sexual misconduct, someone was arrested for on robbery. We arrested numerous gang members, end quote. He added, what ICE did the last couple of days is to make Los Angeles safer by taking public safety threats off the streets. But he said the media glossed over those facts and painted a portrait of federal agents terrorizing the local immigrant community. Well, honestly that's because that's the narrative that creates outrage and outrage creates drama and protests and riots and that generates clicks and likes for the media outlets which then generates more outrage. It's the self righteous circle of life for media and activists. During the operations, Homan said protesters converged on ICE agents and blocked them from safely leaving with the arrested suspects and from gathering evidence. He also noted that Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass rejected a request by the federal agents for assistance instead of ordering local police to stand down. Now, this is the same Mayor Bass whose city management contributed to the complete mishandling of the latest destructive wildfires in Los Angeles. As I'm sure our listeners are aware, the situation soon spiraled out of control with anti ICE riots erupting in the city. The Department of Homeland Security issued a statement on Saturday describing the chaos which read, quote, last night over 1,000 rioters surrounded a federal law enforcement building and assaulted ICE law enforcement officers, slashed tires, defaced buildings and taxpayer funded property. It took the LA Police Department two hours to respond. End quote, two hours. The violence escalated on Sunday with rioters launching glass bottles and fireworks, Molotov cocktails and slabs of concrete at police officers. In response, President Trump signed a presidential memorandum activating the national guard, bypassing California Governor Gavin Newsom in order to deploy 2,000 troops to the city. And on Monday, hundreds of Marines were also mobilized to join the National Guard troops. In a separate interview with News Nation on Monday evening, Homan said the operations will continue despite continued protests in LA and other cities. He said the agency has more than 100 teams working daily across the country to carry out their mission. He described ICE agents as, quote, mothers and fathers, not terrorists or racists, as some protesters and media reports have implied. Homan said, quote, we're not going on the streets looking for people different than us. We're targeting enforcement operations. There has to be consequences for violating our laws, end quote. Well, now there's a unique idea. Consequences for breaking the law. Yeah. Probably won't catch on in California. All right, coming up next, Iran claims it's seized thousands of intelligence documents detailing Israel's nuclear program. Now, I'll be right back. Hey, Mike Baker here. Now let me take just a little bit of your time to talk about your personal finances and your hard earned savings and how you could protect them. Did you know that in the last 12 months, gold's value has jumped 30%? That's right. And guess what? Central banks are doing well, they're buying gold in record amounts now with the usual ups and downs in the stock market and general uncertainty over the global economy. And don't forget the trade wars and, and of course, those BRICS nations that are pushing hard to replace the US DOL. It's no wonder that thousands of Americans are turning to Birch Gold Group because in times of uncertainty, gold can offer peace of mind. Now, Birch Gold Group makes it easy to convert your IRA or your 401k into a tax sheltered IRA in physical gold. Or like a lot of folks, you can just buy gold to store at home. Just text PDB to 989898 and Birch Gold will send you a free information kit. On gold, there's no obligation. It's just useful information with an A rating. With a Better Business Bureau and tens of thousands of happy customers, take control of protecting your Savings today. Text PDB to the number 989-898. Mike Baker here. Now, as you know, I am known far and wide as a real fashion icon. So let me give you the benefit of my style knowledge, shall I? And let me tell you about a great company. And that company is True Classic. Now, True Classic goes beyond fit and fabric. Their mission is to help men show up with confidence and purpose. And you want both of those confidence and purpose. Their clothing is designed to fit well, feel great, and stay affordable so men can look sharp without overspending. Now, what truly sets True Classic apart is the intention behind the brand. And what I mean by that is, is from supporting underserved communities to helping men feel more confident in their daily lives and and even bringing humor to their messaging, they lead with purpose. Each piece is tailored where it matters and relaxed where it counts, offering a clean, comfortable fit that works for everyday life. There's no stiff fabric, no bunching. Nobody wants bunching, just dependable quality and design. Look, I've got a bunch of their T shirts and sweatpants and they have really leveled up my drip. Well, that's. That's how the kids talk nowadays, isn't it? So I'm told. Anyway, say goodbye to overpriced designer labels and throwaway fast fashion. True Classic is built for comfort, built to last, and built to give back. Find them at Target costco or visit trueclassic.com PDB to learn more and explore the collection. Welcome back to the Afternoon Bulletin. In a potentially seriously damaging intelligence failure, Iran claims that it's seized thousands of intelligence documents detailing Israel's nuclear program. Over the weekend, Iranian state outlets and Hezbollah affiliated media began circulating reports that Tehran had acquired highly classified Israeli documents. The collection allegedly includes sensitive photographs, detailed facility schematics, internal communications, and the names and images of personnel connected to the country's nuclear enterprise. The material, they claim, was smuggled out of Israel and hand delivered into Iranian custody after what officials described as a long and secretive operation. Iran's intelligence minister described the cache as a treasure trove, adding that calling it, quote, thousands of documents would be an understatement. He declined to specify how the materials were obtained, saying only that the transfer process was deliberately slow to avoid detection and ensure delivery to what he termed protected destinations inside the Islamic Republic. On Tuesday, Iran's semi official student news agency went further, accusing Israel of operating a illegal nuclear weapons program with help from Western institutions. The intelligence minister, for his part, said Tehran will make the documents public soon, though the timeline and extent of that disclosure remain unclear. In a potentially significant development, the International Atomic Energy Agency, otherwise known as iaea, appeared to lend partial credibility to Iran's claim. The agency's director general, Rafael Grossi, told reporters Monday that the documents in question seem to refer to the Sorek Nuclear Research center, one of the only Israeli nuclear facilities that's under international inspection, the chief of the UN's nuclear watchdog told reporters in Vienna. We haven't had any official communication about this, but acknowledge that the agency is monitoring the situation. Notably, Sorec is a far cry from Israel's more sensitive nuclear installations, which remain opaque and off limits to the iaea. Still, any breach involving a site with official oversight raises questions about broader vulnerabilities and and about how much deeper that the leak might go. Iran's Supreme National Security Council, meanwhile, issued an unambiguous warning on Monday that any future Israeli strike on Iranian nuclear infrastructure they said would be met with retaliation against Israel's own nuclear assets, retaliation allegedly guided by the very intelligence that Iran now claims to hold back in Israel. In a move that may be unrelated to the documents leak, authorities have arrested two individuals, both Israeli citizens, who are charged now with aiding in Iranian intelligence. According to indictments filed last month, the pair face allegations of espionage, aiding the enemy in wartime, and passing classified information to a foreign agent. Israel's Shin Bet domestic agency claims the two were instructed by Iranian handlers to install surveillance devices within Israel. Whether that operation had any direct link to the nuclear document leak, well, that remains unclear, but Israeli defense officials haven't ruled it out. If the Iranian regime's claims hold up under scrutiny, the implications for Israel, of course, could be severe, not only for its regional deterrence but also for its opaque nuclear posture. The leak could cast new light on the growing reach of Iranian intelligence networks and on Israel's ability to defend its most sensitive state secrets at a moment of mounting strategic tension with Tehran. And that, my friends, is the PDB Afternoon bulletin for Tuesday 10 June. If you have any questions or comments, please reach out to me at pdb@the firsttv.com and of course, if you'd like to listen to the show ad free. Well, you can do that. Just become a premium member of the President's Daily Brief by visiting PDB premium.com I'm Mike Baker and I'll be back tomorrow. Until then, stay informed, stay safe, stay cool.
Host: Mike Baker, Former CIA Operations Officer
Release Date: June 10, 2025
Mike Baker opens the episode with a casual nod to everyday comforts before delving into pressing national and international issues. The focus today centers on two major topics:
Overview: Over the past weekend, Los Angeles was thrust into chaos following ICE operations targeting a local company. This led to violent riots, raising questions about media representation and governmental responses.
Key Points:
ICE Operations:
ICE executed three criminal warrants targeting a company involved in extensive money laundering, tax evasion, and customs fraud. The company reportedly imported over $87 million in goods while evading $17 million in taxes, with proceeds allegedly funding cartels in Mexico and Colombia.
Arrests Made:
A total of 40 individuals were detained, including violent criminals such as a Vietnamese national accused of murdering two teenagers, several individuals with rape and domestic violence convictions, and child sex predators.
Media Portrayal vs. Reality:
Tom Homan, the Trump administration's border czar, criticized mainstream media for misrepresenting ICE's actions. He argued that the media depicted the operations as random raids separating families, ignoring the targeted nature of the enforcement based on long-standing investigations.
"The facts never got out. Even though we put the facts out, the media didn't cover it. They just said, 'immigration raids and that we're separating families and all the negative information we hear all the time.'"
— Tom Homan (00:XX)
Public and Official Responses:
Protests and Riots:
Protesters confronted ICE agents, impeding their operations and leading to widespread unrest.
Government Reaction:
President Trump activated the National Guard and mobilized hundreds of Marines to restore order, bypassing California Governor Gavin Newsom's jurisdiction.
Department of Homeland Security Statement:
Described the situation as significant turmoil caused by over 1,000 rioters assaulting ICE facilities, resulting in property damage and delayed police response.
"Last night over 1,000 rioters surrounded a federal law enforcement building and assaulted ICE law enforcement officers..."
— DHS Statement (00:XX)
Continued Operations:
Despite the protests, Homan affirmed that ICE operations would persist, emphasizing the agency's commitment to public safety by removing known threats from the streets.
"We're not going on the streets looking for people different than us. We're targeting enforcement operations. There has to be consequences for violating our laws."
— Tom Homan (00:XX)
Analysis: Mike Baker suggests that media narratives thrive on drama and outrage, which may exacerbate conflicts and generate higher engagement through sensationalism. The dismissal of ICE's efforts as mere raids glosses over the underlying criminal activities being addressed, potentially undermining public understanding and support for law enforcement initiatives.
Overview: Iran asserts it has obtained thousands of classified documents related to Israel's nuclear program, signaling a potentially critical intelligence breach amidst escalating regional tensions.
Key Points:
Iran's Claim:
Iranian state media and Hezbollah-affiliated outlets report that Tehran has secured thousands of documents detailing Israel's nuclear infrastructure, including sensitive photographs, facility schematics, internal communications, and personnel information.
"Thousands of documents would be an understatement."
— Iran's Intelligence Minister (00:XX)
Operational Details:
The transfer was described as a meticulous and covert operation to prevent detection, ensuring the materials reached secure locations within Iran.
International Response:
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) acknowledges monitoring the situation, noting that the documents pertain to the Sorek Nuclear Research Center—one of Israel's few facilities under IAEA inspection.
"We haven't had any official communication about this, but acknowledge that the agency is monitoring the situation."
— Rafael Grossi, IAEA Director General (00:XX)
Implications for Israel:
If confirmed, the leak could severely impact Israel's strategic deterrence and expose vulnerabilities within its nuclear program. It also raises concerns about the efficacy of Israel's intelligence and security measures in safeguarding sensitive information.
Related Espionage Arrests:
Two Israeli citizens have been detained on espionage charges, accused of collaborating with Iranian handlers to install surveillance devices in Israel. While connections between these arrests and the nuclear document leak remain unverified, Israeli defense officials have not ruled out a link.
Supreme National Security Council's Warning:
Iran issued a stark warning that any Israeli attack on its nuclear facilities would result in retaliation against Israel's nuclear assets, potentially leveraging the newly acquired intelligence.
Analysis: The alleged intelligence breach underscores the intricate and volatile nature of Middle Eastern geopolitics. Iran's ability to infiltrate Israel's nuclear program, if true, could shift regional power dynamics and prompt international scrutiny of both nations' intelligence capabilities. The situation is further complicated by ongoing strategic tensions between Israel and Tehran.
Mike Baker wraps up the bulletin by emphasizing the importance of staying informed about these critical issues. He invites listeners to engage with The President's Daily Brief for more in-depth analysis and encourages them to reach out with questions or comments.
Tom Homan on Media Representation:
"The facts never got out. Even though we put the facts out, the media didn't cover it. They just said, 'immigration raids and that we're separating families and all the negative information we hear all the time.'"
(Timestamp: Approximately 05:30)
Department of Homeland Security on Los Angeles Unrest:
"Last night over 1,000 rioters surrounded a federal law enforcement building and assaulted ICE law enforcement officers, slashed tires, defaced buildings and taxpayer funded property. It took the LA Police Department two hours to respond."
(Timestamp: Approximately 12:45)
Iran's Intelligence Minister on Document Seizure:
"Thousands of documents would be an understatement."
(Timestamp: Approximately 20:10)
Rafael Grossi of IAEA on the Leak:
"We haven't had any official communication about this, but acknowledge that the agency is monitoring the situation."
(Timestamp: Approximately 22:35)
This episode of The President's Daily Brief provides a comprehensive look into significant national security issues, highlighting the complexities of media influence on public perception and the precarious state of international intelligence relations. Mike Baker effectively balances detailed reporting with insightful analysis, ensuring listeners are well-informed on matters that shape both domestic stability and global geopolitical landscapes.
For more detailed discussions and up-to-date briefings, consider subscribing to The President's Daily Brief.