Timcast IRL: SHOTS at Southern Border, Cartels FIRE On US Border Patrol Agents w/ Josh Seiter

Release Date: January 28, 2025

Introduction

In this intense episode of Timcast IRL, host Phil Labonte delves deep into the escalating violence at the U.S.-Mexico border, analyzing the implications of recent gunfights between U.S. Border Patrol agents and Mexican cartels. Joined by guest Josh Cider from Timcast Media, as well as regular contributors Libby Emmons and Ian Crossland, the panel offers unfiltered insights into America’s immigration crisis, the effectiveness of Trump’s policies, and broader socio-political issues affecting the nation.

Violence at the Southern Border

The episode kicks off with a discussion on the alarming increase in violent confrontations at the U.S.-Mexico border. Phil Labonte references a recent incident near Fronton, Texas, where U.S. Border Patrol agents exchanged gunfire with suspected cartel members. Highlighting the strategic location of Fronton Island in the Rio Grande, Labonte emphasizes the potential for these skirmishes to spill over into broader American society:

“This is something that I think every American should care about because these are things that actually can spill over into the rest of the United States.” [07:54]

Josh Cider supports this viewpoint, critiquing the left’s narrative that all migrants are innocent and underscoring the presence of violent elements within the influx:

“It just justifies why Trump has taken the stance he has taken, which is we don't know who these people are that are flooding into our country from this dangerous country, and we should get rid of them.” [08:41]

Trump’s Immigration Policies and Their Impact

The panel scrutinizes former President Donald Trump’s hardline immigration policies, arguing they have been effective in curbing illegal immigration and dismantling cartel operations. Phil Labonte draws parallels with previous U.S. actions in countries like Afghanistan and Iraq, suggesting that sustained U.S. involvement is crucial to prevent a power vacuum that cartels could exploit:

“If they're sending people over into Mexico to do some kind of operations, then do that too. But we need to do both.” [13:41]

Libby Emmons adds historical context, citing Trump’s negotiations with Colombia over deportations and the use of economic leverage:

“But when Trump was just like, fine, you don't want to do it. That's a 25% tariff... now we're not going to issue diplomatic visas, you know, get your people out of the country.” [19:41]

Debate with J.D. Vance and Media Critique

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around J.D. Vance’s heated debate with CBS host Margaret Brennan regarding Trump’s refugee program. The panel critiques Vance’s stance, highlighting the disconnect between media narratives and on-the-ground realities:

“JD just holds the line...this interview is an exemplification of why Vance will be president in 2028.” [48:27]

They further analyze Selena Gomez’s emotionally charged Instagram post criticizing deportations, arguing it epitomizes celebrity detachment from the harsh realities faced by American communities:

“Selena Gomez, what you are hanging out with are criminals...you are hanging out with the wrong crowd.” [62:43]

Economic Policies: Abolishing Income Tax

Trump’s proposal to eliminate the federal income tax sparks an extensive debate on fiscal policy. Phil Labonte and Josh Cider discuss the merits and potential fallout of shifting to a tariff-based system, with Labonte arguing that income tax primarily serves to manage inflation rather than fund government initiatives:

“The taxation that you pay is destroyed. They don't... pay taxes to pay for something. So I'm all for getting rid of the income tax because they absolutely actually don't need it.” [75:08]

Cider agrees, emphasizing the disincentivizing effect of high taxes on personal and business growth:

“I don't like it. And it disincentivizes people to work hard.” [74:42]

Capitalism vs. Socialism and Media Critique

The conversation broadens to critique leftist ideologies and the perceived failures of socialism, while defending capitalism as the best available economic system. Emmons shares her personal narrative of upward mobility enabled by capitalism, contrasting it with historical socialist shortcomings:

“We can probably keep making it better, but I don't think that we can make it better by pushing equity so that just every kid gets a bike.” [43:35]

The panel also lambasts mainstream media for being out of touch with the average American, asserting that left-leaning media outlets have lost credibility and influence:

“The mainstream media will never get that they are out of touch with the average person.” [55:14]

Infrastructure and Technological Innovations

A lighter segment discusses infrastructural elements like roundabouts versus four-way stops. The panel passionately defends roundabouts as superior urban planning solutions, countering viewer criticisms with practical insights:

“Roundabouts are a net good for society and they are not... so roundabouts are glorious.” [114:28]

Super Chats and Listener Interactions

Throughout the episode, Phil engages with listener super chats, addressing varied topics from the naming of the Gulf of Mexico to personal anecdotes about immigration and economic struggles. Notable interactions include:

• Serge's Suggestion: A meme featuring the phrase "I don't care, Margaret" gains traction, symbolizing public frustration with lenient immigration policies.

• Selena Gomez’s Deleted Post: Phil dissects Gomez’s controversial stance, reinforcing the panel’s position on prioritizing deportations of criminals over general immigrants.

• Law and Order Concerns: Listeners express worries about voter hypocrisy and the impact of illegal immigration on legal immigrants’ naturalization prospects.

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with affirmations of support for the discussed policies and encouragement for listeners to engage further via Timcast’s platforms. Phil Labonte and his co-hosts reiterate their commitment to tackling controversial issues head-on, advocating for stronger border security and economic policies that prioritize American citizens.

Notable Quotes

• Phil Labonte: “The American people are, are significantly aware...the border is a real problem.” [14:07]

• Josh Cider: “We need to stop thinking like that. Just do we have an objective? We need to achieve the objective.” [23:20]

• Libby Emmons: “Americans should just do things...just get it done as quickly as possible.” [25:40]

• Ian Crossland: “The United States is still the economic powerhouse. They have to move.” [14:55]

Final Thoughts

Timcast IRL delivers a raw and comprehensive analysis of pressing border security issues, critiquing current policies and advocating for stricter measures to combat illegal immigration and cartel violence. With a blend of personal anecdotes, policy discussions, and listener interactions, the episode provides a thorough exploration of the challenges facing the United States today.