Verdict with Ted Cruz: BONUS POD — 480,000 Illegal Immigrants Arrested in 9 Months plus Portland Showdown

Podcast: Verdict with Ted Cruz
Host(s): Ben Ferguson, Senator Ted Cruz (note: Ted Cruz not present in this episode; Kristi Noem features as a speaker)
Date: October 21, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode focuses on two major stories:

1. The Department of Homeland Security's announcement of over 480,000 illegal immigrant arrests in the first nine months of President Trump’s administration, with an emphasis on the high percentage of those with serious criminal records.
2. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court’s decision to allow President Trump to deploy the National Guard in Portland, signifying a major win for law and order advocates.

Co-host Ben Ferguson and guest speaker Kristi Noem (governor of South Dakota, cited as a spokesperson at a press conference) break down these developments, discuss the administration’s efforts to combat crime, and critique media and political opposition.

Major Discussion Points & Key Insights

1. Record-Setting Illegal Immigrant Arrests Under Trump (03:18 – 12:40)

• DHS reported over 480,000 illegal immigrant arrests in 9 months.
• Of those arrested, 70% had criminal records or pending criminal charges.
• The Trump administration is cast as making good on campaign promises to crack down on illegal immigration and focus on the “worst of the worst.”
• Kristi Noem at a press conference highlights specific arrests and reiterates strong support for law enforcement.

Notable quotes and highlights:

• “[President Trump] unleashed ICE to target the worst of the worst criminal, illegal aliens.” — Kristi Noem (06:15)
• “We are not going to let these individuals terrorize our streets anymore and we’re not going to let them make victims out of families.” — Kristi Noem (08:19)

Examples of Arrested Individuals (08:32 – 10:32)

• Kristi Noem provides details on several high-profile criminal illegal alien arrests, naming individuals charged or convicted with murder, sexual assault of a child, repeat DUIs, burglary, and domestic violence.
  • Example: “Eric Carlos Artilles Ramos, an illegal alien from Cuba ... previously convicted of kidnapping and carjacking.” (08:42)
  • “[Oscar Alfredo Retain ...] convicted of sexual assault against a child ... arrested for DUI ... deported twice.” (09:06)
  • “Arturo Sanchez Morales ... possession of cocaine and larceny ... convictions for multiple DUIs and lewd acts against a minor.” (09:28)
  • “Leila’s Reynaldo Benaro Zarin, ... conviction for domestic battery ... deported twice before.” (09:51)

Law Enforcement Under Threat (10:32 – 12:40)

• Noem reports on increased dangers facing officers, including:
  • An ICE facility shooting (2 dead, 3 injured), with anti-ICE rhetoric noted on the shooter’s ammunition.
  • Bounties being placed on law enforcement, notably on Border Patrol Chief Greg Bevino.
  • Social media threats and the impact of “anti-cop rhetoric.”
• “The left’s anti-cop rhetoric has led to a 1000% increase in violence against our law enforcement officers.” — Kristi Noem (10:57)
• “Criminals are now even placing bounties on our law enforcement officers.” — Kristi Noem (11:43)
• “The American people see this, and they see that President Trump is focused on making sure that our streets are safe.” — Kristi Noem (12:20)

Public Opinion (12:00 – 12:30)

• Noem references polling:
  • "54% of Americans want illegals to be brought into justice ..."
  • "78% of Americans want these criminal illegal aliens brought to justice."

2. Portland Showdown: National Guard Deployment Upheld (12:40 – 15:03)

• The Ninth Circuit Court permits Trump to deploy National Guard troops to Portland after a legal challenge, a decision viewed as a crucial win for the President and his law-and-order agenda.
• Ben Ferguson frames media opposition (especially MSNBC) as being in “meltdown” over the decision.
• A segment from MSNBC’s Lisa Rubin is played, reading and analyzing the court’s opinion.
  • “This is a stay of Judge Immigrants opinion ... allowing the President to send the National Guard back onto the streets of Portland.” — Lisa Rubin (13:32)
  • The court cites Trump’s “colorable assessment of the facts and law within a range of honest judgment,” indicating that his actions fall within reasonable presidential discretion.

Notable quote:

• “It is very clear the left realizes now they’re running out of ways to stop President Trump from doing his job, a job that he was elected by the American people to do.” — Ben Ferguson (15:03)

3. Implications for Other Cities & Broader Law-and-Order Narrative (15:03 – 16:49)

• Ferguson anticipates similar actions in other high-crime cities: “What you’re witnessing is a president that is doing exactly what he promised he was going to do — keep all Americans safe, no matter where you live.” (15:20)
• Cities mentioned: Portland, Washington D.C., Memphis, Chicago.

Memorable Moments & Direct Quotes

• “[ICE and DHS] will go after [murderers, rapists, gang members] … bring them to justice, and we will save lives.” — Kristi Noem (12:03)
• “Thank you for listening to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson.” — Ben Ferguson (16:06)

Important Segment Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment/Highlight | |------------|------------------------------------------------------------------| | 03:18 | Start of main story: DHS arrests data, Trump's promises | | 06:12 | Kristi Noem quotes DHS press release, stats about criminality | | 08:32 | Kristi Noem details arrests of specific individuals | | 10:32 | Noem on threats to law enforcement and ICE | | 12:00 | Public opinion stats on deportations and justice | | 12:40 | Ferguson introduces 9th Circuit win on Portland National Guard | | 13:25 | MSNBC’s Lisa Rubin explains court’s reasoning | | 15:03 | Ferguson’s reaction, implications for other cities and law/order | | 16:06 | Episode wraps primary content |

Tone & Style

Throughout, the speakers maintain a combative, urgent tone, celebrating Trump administration actions as long-overdue victories and sharply criticizing progressive/left-wing resistance and “anti-cop” rhetoric. The episode is heavily partisan, framing developments as restoring “law and order” and emphasizing the supposed dangers of leniency toward illegal immigration.

Summary for New Listeners

This episode is a rapid-fire briefing on what the hosts frame as landmark moments for Trump’s law-and-order presidency: not only record numbers of illegal immigrant arrests (with a focus on those with serious criminal backgrounds), but also a major judicial win enabling the use of the National Guard in Portland. The show features detailed anecdotal cases, policy praise, and robust defense of law enforcement, while repeatedly positioning political opposition and “the left” as obstacles to public safety. If you follow conservative perspectives on criminal justice or national immigration policy, this episode offers an unapologetically pro-Trump, pro-law enforcement outlook on the latest headlines.