Verdict with Ted Cruz – Episode: A Memorial Day Thank You to Our Troops plus an Exclusive One-on-One with Tom Homan
Release Date: May 26, 2025
Hosted By: Senator Ted Cruz and Ben Ferguson
Produced By: Premiere Networks

1. Memorial Day Tribute

Time: [00:06] – [03:29]

The episode begins with Senator Ted Cruz and co-host Ben Ferguson dedicating the show to Memorial Day, expressing gratitude to all military personnel who have served and sacrificed for the United States. They differentiate Memorial Day from Veterans Day, emphasizing that Memorial Day specifically honors those who have given their lives for the nation.

Notable Quote:
Senator Ted Cruz [00:39]:
“Memorial Day is set aside for those who gave the last full measure of devotion, the ultimate sacrifice, those who stepped forward and gave their lives...America is worth fighting for and I'm willing to die for America.”

They encourage listeners to spend quality time with their families while also taking a moment to educate and remind their children about the significance of the day and the sacrifices made by service members.

2. Exclusive Interview with Tom Homan

Following the tribute, Cruz and Ferguson introduce a special segment featuring Tom Homan, the White House Executive Associate Director of Enforcement and Removal Operations, commonly known as the "Border Czar." This interview, which previously went viral, delves into the significant improvements in border security under the Trump administration compared to the previous Biden administration.

a. Progress in Border Security under Trump

Time: [06:34] – [07:25]

Tom Homan outlines the dramatic decrease in illegal border crossings since President Trump resumed office. He presents compelling statistics showcasing a reduction from approximately 14,000 illegal crossings daily under Biden to just 211 under Trump.

Notable Quote:
Tom Homan [06:34]:
“We have the most secure border in the history of this nation today. We went from 13, 14,000 to 211.”

Senator Ted Cruz [07:25]:
“Wow.”

b. Policy Changes and Executive Actions

Time: [09:17] – [12:41]

Homan attributes the success to specific executive actions taken by President Trump, including the "Remain in Mexico" policy, the establishment of 30 safe country agreements, and the termination of the catch and release program. These measures collectively enforced stricter immigration controls and compliance with federal statutes regarding undocumented arrivals.

Notable Quote:
Senator Ted Cruz [09:17]:
“My favorite line from President Trump's most recent State of the Union address is...we just needed a new president.”

Tom Homan [09:56]:
“We're doing more than Biden did. But Biden wasn't doing anything. We need to do 10 times more than buying it to now three times more.”

c. Budgetary Needs for Enhanced Border Security

Time: [10:12] – [12:41]

Homan emphasizes the necessity for increased funding to build and enhance the border infrastructure, including the completion of the border wall and the integration of advanced technologies. He highlights the current shortfall in detention beds and the urgent need for more ICE agents to effectively manage and process illegal immigrants.

Notable Quote:
Tom Homan [10:12]:
“We need to finish building that wall...men and women of the border patrol, first of all. So the wall saves lives.”

Senator Ted Cruz [12:41]:
“We will get this reconciliation bill passed... we're going to have funding to build the wall, technology, more agents...”

d. Impact on Illegal Immigration and Criminal Activity

Time: [14:55] – [21:31]

The discussion shifts to the significant reduction in illegal immigration and its correlation with decreased criminal activities, including drug trafficking and human trafficking. Homan reveals alarming figures, such as nearly 700,000 illegal immigrants with criminal convictions currently residing in the U.S., underscoring the administration's commitment to public safety.

Notable Quote:
Senator Ted Cruz [16:43]:
“And how many have convictions for murder, for rape, for other crimes other than crossing the border illegally?”

Tom Homan [16:45]:
“Just under 700,000.”

e. Sanctuary Cities and Accountability

Time: [21:31] – [24:01]

Homan criticizes sanctuary cities for hindering ICE's efforts to detain and deport illegal immigrants, including violent criminals and terrorists. He details the dangers posed by such policies and the administration's plans to hold these cities accountable through lawsuits and stringent enforcement measures.

Notable Quote:
Tom Homan [21:31]:
“They’re dangerous for everybody...putting the community at risk.”

Senator Ted Cruz [24:01]:
“...we are going to have funding for more detention beds...”

f. Terrorism Concerns and Border Security

Time: [24:12] – [38:18]

The conversation intensifies as Homan addresses the potential threat of terrorists entering the U.S. via the southern border. He expresses concern over the estimated two million "gotaways"—illegal immigrants who successfully evade border authorities—and their possible links to terrorist activities. Homan asserts that securing the border is crucial to national security and preventing future terrorist attacks.

Notable Quote:
Tom Homan [24:12]:
“...we arrest over 400 people on terrorist watches coming to the southwest border.”

Senator Ted Cruz [27:32]:
“How confident are you that he's a gang member, that he's a criminal?”

g. Case Study: LaMonica McIver's Assault on ICE

Time: [38:18] – [40:59]

In a pivotal moment, Homan discusses the recent charges against New Jersey Democrat Congresswoman LaMonica McIver for assaulting an ICE officer. He underscores the importance of holding even high-ranking officials accountable for interfering with law enforcement operations, emphasizing that no one is above the law.

Notable Quote:
Tom Homan [38:52]:
“...you can't commit criminal trespasses at our facilities. And for God's sakes, you can't put hands on ICE officers.”

Senator Ted Cruz [40:59]:
“...you are keeping my children safer. And Tom, I am grateful you are on that front line for us.”

3. Closing Remarks

The episode concludes with reaffirmations of support for law enforcement and a final tribute to the men and women safeguarding the nation's borders. Cruz and Homan emphasize the ongoing commitment to maintaining national security and public safety through stringent border policies.

Notable Quote:
Tom Homan [41:53]:
“God bless the men and women of Border Patrol, God bless the women of ICE and God bless this great nation. We're taking it.”

Senator Ted Cruz [42:31]:
“Amen.”

Key Takeaways:

• Memorial Day Focus: A heartfelt tribute to fallen soldiers and a call to honor their sacrifices.

• Border Security Success: Under President Trump and Tom Homan’s leadership, illegal border crossings have decreased by over 99%, marking the most secure border in U.S. history.

• Policy Implementation: Executive orders such as "Remain in Mexico," safe country agreements, and ending catch and release have been pivotal in reducing illegal immigration.

• Budgetary Needs: Significant investment is required to complete the border wall, enhance technology, increase detention capacities, and expand ICE and Border Patrol staffing.

• Public Safety: A sharp decline in illegal immigration correlates with reduced criminal activities, including a notable decrease in fentanyl trafficking and human trafficking incidents.

• Sanctuary Cities: These municipalities are criticized for compromising public safety by not cooperating with federal immigration enforcement, with promises of legal accountability.

• Terrorism Threats: The administration remains vigilant against potential terrorist threats entering the country through the southern border, highlighting the urgency of comprehensive border security.

• Enforcement Accountability: The charges against Congresswoman LaMonica McIver serve as a stern reminder that interference with law enforcement is unacceptable, regardless of political standing.

Conclusion:
This Memorial Day episode of "Verdict with Ted Cruz" not only honors the sacrifices of military personnel but also delivers a forceful message on the strides made in border security under the Trump administration. Through an in-depth interview with Tom Homan, the podcast underscores the importance of robust immigration policies, adequate funding, and unwavering commitment to national security. Listeners gain valuable insights into the current state of U.S. border management and the ongoing efforts to safeguard the nation from both illegal immigration and associated criminal threats.