BONUS POD: Dems Scream DISMANTLE DHS dispite Iranian Terror Concerns plus FBI Follow the Antifa Funding Streams

Summary

---

Podcast Summary: BONUS POD - Dems Scream DISMANTLE DHS despite Iranian Terror Concerns plus FBI Follows Antifa Funding Streams

Podcast: Verdict with Ted Cruz
Host: Ben Ferguson (with appearances from Cash Patel)
Date: March 5, 2026

---

Main Theme

This episode of Verdict with Ted Cruz, hosted by Ben Ferguson, dives into two urgent national security stories:

1. Democratic lawmakers' push to not only abolish ICE but to dismantle the entire Department of Homeland Security (DHS), even as global terror threats loom.
2. FBI Director Cash Patel's announcement that the bureau has uncovered major funding channels for Antifa, with potential connections to both domestic and foreign sources.

The episode centers on the tension between left-leaning calls for reform/abolition of security agencies and right-leaning concerns over rising crime, terrorism, and domestic unrest, with a strong critical tone against Democratic positions.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Democrats Float Dismantling DHS

(03:33 – 12:42)

• Ilhan Omar's Remarks:
  Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) suggested during a town hall that Democrats are now openly considering not just abolishing ICE, but dismantling the entire DHS.

  • “There’s a lot of conversation about what the dismantlement of the Department of Homeland Security should look like.” (Ben Ferguson quoting Ilhan Omar, 03:52)

• Scope and Impact:
  DHS encompasses 22 agencies, including:

  • Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
  • TSA
  • FEMA
  • The Coast Guard
  • The Secret Service
  • U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

• Proposed Restrictions:
  Recent Democratic proposals include:

  • Banning ICE agents from wearing face masks.
  • Requiring judicial warrants before making any ICE arrest.
  • Mandating body cameras for all ICE agents.
  • Prohibiting immigration enforcement at “sensitive locations” (hospitals, schools, polling sites).
  • Ferguson’s commentary is critical, labeling these as “insanity” and suggesting Democrats want to give “special care to illegal immigrants.” (09:45)

• Law Enforcement and Security Concerns:

  • Republicans argue that DHS agencies provide crucial safety, and abolishing them would endanger citizens.
    • “So yes, Democrats want to shut down the same people that keep you safe when flying on airplanes. … So, the next time there’s a national disaster, guess what? Yeah, no one from the federal government would be there to help you if the Democrats get their way.” (Ben Ferguson, 10:42)
    • Ferguson claims that crime drops where ICE is active.

• Midterms Framing:

  • The debate over DHS and ICE is positioned as a defining issue in upcoming midterm elections.
  • Ferguson accuses Democrats of “anarchy”: “They hate this country. They hate secure borders. … They want to abolish all of it just because they don’t like ICE actions.” (12:15)

---

2. FBI Traces Antifa Funding Streams

(12:42 – 20:59)

• FBI Director Cash Patel's Announcement:

  • Cash Patel states the FBI is aggressively following the money trail behind Antifa.
    • "What we are doing at the FBI is simple. It does not require rocket science. We are following the money. Money never lies." (Cash Patel, 13:07)

• Scope and Results:

  • The bureau claims to have mapped out major funding flows, including possible overseas sources and U.S.-based nonprofits, some with tax-exempt status.
  • “Wait till you see what’s coming in the next month or two on the funding streams related to this.” (Cash Patel, 16:48)
  • The investigation aims to distinguish violent criminal acts from protected protest.

• Recent Prosecution & Operations:

  • Federal arrests and convictions connected to Antifa-related activities in Texas (“ambushing and attempting to murder ICE personnel”) and in Georgia (“Cop City” protests).

    • “How many people were arrested related to Prairie Land? … We’re over two dozen federal arrests.” (Cash Patel, 15:58)

  • The FBI established a special program to identify financial backers of protest-related violence.

• Organizational Structure:

  • Patel and Ferguson push back on the idea that Antifa is not a real organization. They highlight a “national network for local chapters,” and regular conferences.

• Contrast with Previous FBI Leadership:

  • Allusions to a more aggressive posture under Trump, compared to Obama and Biden, who referred to Antifa as “an idea.”

• Memorable Quotes:

  • “They built this diseased temple of corruption over decades. And in eight short months, Mr. President, you have crippled their foundation because of your leadership here.” (Cash Patel, 14:20)
  • “…They will not be able to hide. … We will arrest every single one of them from whatever perch you sit in, private or public…” (Cash Patel, 14:36)

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Rep. Ilhan Omar (as quoted by Ben Ferguson, 03:52):
  “There’s a lot of conversation about what the dismantlement of the Department of Homeland Security should look like.”

• Ben Ferguson (10:42):
  “So yes, Democrats want to shut down the same people that keep you safe when flying on airplanes. … So, the next time there’s a national disaster, guess what? Yeah, no one from the federal government would be there to help you if the Democrats get their way.”

• FBI Director Cash Patel (13:07):
  “We are following the money. Money never lies. And that’s what it’s going to take to bring down this network of organized criminal thugs… because that’s what they are.”

• FBI Director Cash Patel (14:20):
  “They built this diseased temple of corruption over decades. And in eight short months, Mr. President, you have crippled their foundation because of your leadership here.”

• FBI Director Cash Patel (15:58):
  “You and I had launched a serious investigation. We had said these organizations don’t operate alone…heavy, heavy stream of funding. …We found them.”

• Ben Ferguson (12:15):
  “In the midterm elections, Democrats are saying exactly what they believe. They hate this country. They hate secure borders…”

---

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 03:33 – 12:42 — Democrats’ push to abolish ICE and dismantle DHS, implications, and Republican response
• 12:42 – 14:59 — Cash Patel on FBI’s strategy and the importance of following Antifa’s funding
• 14:59 – 17:15 — Update on arrests, investigations, and financial probes tied to Antifa
• 17:15 – 20:59 — Details of ongoing cases, new FBI investigations, and analysis of Antifa’s organizational structure

---

Tone and Language

The episode maintains a highly critical and urgent tone regarding Democratic proposals, framing them as radical, dangerous, and motivated by hostility to American institutions and security. Patel’s remarks use strong law-and-order rhetoric, underlining a sense of resolve and battle against criminal networks.

---

Summary Flow

Listeners are taken through a rapid-fire analysis of the news cycle’s most heated issues—first the “dismantle DHS” furor on the left, followed by developments in the law enforcement crackdown on left-wing domestic extremism. The hosts frame both issues as emblematic of broader ideological divides and use them to rally their base around conservative priorities for national security, law, and order.

---

For listeners who missed the episode, this summary captures the central arguments, pivotal commentary, memorable language, and the political framing that defined the conversation.

Transcript

[Podcast Host]

This is an iHeart podcast.

[Public Investing Ad Voice]

Guaranteed Human support for the show comes from Public, the investing platform for those who take it seriously. On Public you can build a multi asset portfolio of stocks, bonds, options, crypto and now generated assets which allow you to turn any idea into an investable index with AI. It all starts with your prompt. From renewable energy companies with high free cash flow to semiconductor suppliers growing revenue over 20% year over year, you can literally type any prompt and put the AI to work. It screens thousands of stocks, builds a one of a kind index and lets you back test it against the S&P 500. Then you can invest in a few clicks. Generated assets are like ETFs with infinite possibilities, completely customizable and based on your thesis, not someone else's. Go to public.com podcast and earn an uncapped 1% bonus when you transfer your portfolio. That's public.com podcast paid for by Public Investing Brokerage Services by Open to the Public Investing Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC Advisory Services by Public Advisors llc. SEC Registered Advisor. Generated Assets is an interactive analysis tool. Output is for informational purposes only and is not an investment recommendation or advice. Complete Disclosures available at public.com Time for

[Podcast Host]

a Sofa Upgrade Introducing Anabe Sofas where designer style meets budget friendly prices. Anibe brings you the ultimate in furniture innovation with a modular design that allows you to rearrange your space effortlessly. Perfect for both small and large spaces, Anabe is the only machine washable sofa inside and out. Say goodbye to stains and messes with liquid and stain resistant fabrics that make cleaning easy. Liquids simply slide right off. Designed for custom comfort, our high resilience foam lets you choose between a sink in feel or a supportive memory foam blend. Plus our pet friendly stain resistant fabrics ensure your sofa stays beautiful for years. Don't compromise quality for price. Visit washablesofas.com to upgrade your living space. Today sofas start at just $699 with no risk returns and a 30 day money back guarantee. Get up to 60% off plus free shipping and free returns. Shop now at washablesofas.com offers are subject to change and certain restrictions may apply.

[IFLAG Flag Football Ad Voice]

Flag Football is exploding and IFLAG is leading the way as the Guinness World Record Holder. IFLAG hosts premier flag football tournaments nationwide for boys, girls, high school girls and adults. From first time players to elite competitors, IFLAG delivers top level competition, unforgettable, unforgettable experiences and a community built around the game. Ready to be part of it? Join the movement, find your tournament and learn [e-mail] that's iflag.org Taco Bell is

[Taco Bell Ad Voice]

rolling out the new Chicken Bacon Ranch street chalupas. And here's the thing, you literally can't just get one. They come in twos. And thank goodness they do because these toasted cheddar street chalupas filled with slow roasted chicken, crispy bacon and avocado ranch are stacked with bold flavor that keeps you going. And back for more Chicken Bacon Ranch street Chalupas only at Taco Bell. Get yours today at participating U.S. taco Bell locations for a limited time only while supplies last.

[Political Commentator]

Under the Biden administration, the government paid sponsors in HHS in order to host these children. And those sponsors, many times we found instances where they trafficked these children themselves. So under that administration, we not only had children that were in this country as a part of a program, the government was paying individuals that were knowingly trafficking the them and abusing them. That has stopped.

[Ben Ferguson]

You're listening to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson.

Good Thursday morning. Nice to have you with us on the 47 Morning Update. And we've got two big stories for you. First up, Democrats are not just looking to get rid of ice, but now they're saying they want to dismantle the entire Department of Homeland Security. What would that look like? And what is the White House saying in response? We have all that for you in a moment. Also, in a big report, the FBI director, Cash Patel is now saying the FBI has uncovered Antifa's funding sources and some of the money may be coming from overseas. That as well. But before we get to that, I want to take a moment and ask you to help the people in Israel with my friends at the IFCJ working right now on the ground for for all those in need. As Operation Epic Fury intensifies, the world braces for what comes next. And people of faith pray for freedom and for God's people to be protected in the Holy Land. Red alert sirens fill the air. Sirens that give you 15 seconds to reach the nearest bomb shelter. The situation is serious and the threat is real. In times like this, freedom and faith aren't just abstract ideas. They are what we depend on. And the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews is on the ground preparing large scale distributions of life saving food, first aid and emergency essentials for security personnel, while helping ensure hospitals, emergency rooms and shelters are stocked with critical medical supplies. This aid is focused on Israel's most vulnerable, the sick, the elderly, children and families in great need. But the fellowship needs your most generous gift today to make this work all possible. Now is your time to stand with Israel's most vulnerable to rush your gift. Call 888-488-IFCJ. That's 888-488-IFCj or give online at ifcj.org that's ifcj.org it's the 47 Morning Update and it starts right now. Now learning are looking not only to dismantle ice, but also the entire Department of Homeland Security. Remarks now coming from Representative Ilam Omar signal that the national Democrats as a party are pursuing sweeping changes that extend far beyond their calls to, quote, abolish ice. During a town hall, Omar said Democrats are not only discussing eliminating Immigration and Customs Enforcement, but are also engaged in conversations about dismantling the Department of Homeland Security altogether. Quote, what I will say is that there is an easier conversation happening today than six, seven years ago when I got to Congress about what we need to do with ice, which is to abolish it, omar told attendees in Golden Valley, Minnesota. She added, there's a lot of conversation about what the dismantlement of the Department of Homeland Security should look like. Omar's remarks come as Democrats continue to protest federal immigration enforcement operations directed under President Donald Trump. ICE, which was established in 2003 under the DHS, has carried out immigration enforcement actions for more than two decades now. Thursday marked the sixth day of a federal shutdown force by congressional Democrats over their new demands to get rid of ICE or at the bare minimum, as they describe it, reform it, which actually means shut it down. Now Democrats are pushing for, they say, a series of major new restrictions on ICE operations. What does that include? Banning agents from wearing face masks and requiring judicial warrants before making ICE any arrests at all. They are also calling for a mandate that ICE agents wear body cameras, something the Trump administration is already moving towards. But of course, they want to seem like there's fake outrage. In fact, ICE agents have been requesting the body cameras to prove their innocence and many of the accusations that are coming from the radical left now. In addition, Democrats are seeking to prohibit immigration enforcement actions at what they describe as sensitive locations, meaning they'll become safe havens for actual criminals. What are these places? Hospitals, schools and polling sites. Just so you know, with American individuals that have broken laws, as an American citizen, you can be arrested right now at a hospital or a school or at a polling site. So why would we give special care to illegal immigrants is the question every American should be asking. Now. One other side point about the insanity of them saying that you can't arrest illegal immigrants at polling sites. Republicans, they're laughing at that. Noting that non citizens, by the way, are literally prohibited from voting in U.S. elections under federal law. So why are Democrats so angry and wanting to demand that our laws would make it impossible for law enforcement to, you guessed it, arrest illegal immigrants at polling sites? Is it because they want them to vote or know that some of them already are voting right now? Now, in recent weeks, several Democratic leaders have strongly condemned ICE operations, including Minnesota Governor Tim Waltz, a Democrat who lost the 2024 election to Trump, and Vice President J.D. vance. He now warned that federal enforcement efforts could expand nationwide, therefore, we must defund them. He also had this warning to America, quote, to Americans who are watching this, if you're in Portland or you're in LA or you're in Chicago or you're wherever they're coming next. Now, to be clear, for me, that's a good thing if we're sending law enforcement to clean up cities that are filled with tons of criminals. Yet again, the Democrats showing whose side they're actually on. Now, Republicans have urged that ICE enforcement actions are not only lawful operations carried out by federal authorities, but they are needed to protect American citizens. And the crime statistics have shown where ICE agents have been out in major enforcement actions. We've seen the crimes drastically drop in those areas. Of course, critics of Democratic proposals say dismantling ICE or DHS more broadly would significantly not only reshape national security of the homeland, but it would allow for criminals to run amok. DHS, by the way, oversees 22 agencies focusing on national security and public safety. Major components include Customs and Border Protection, known as cbp. If you get rid of Homeland Security, you would get rid of that. You'd also get rid of obviously Immigration Customs Enforcement, ICE agents and the tsa. So yes, Democrats want to shut down the same people that keep you safe when flying on airplanes. They also want to get rid of fema that is also yet again under the Department of Homeland Security. So the next time there's a national disaster, guess what? Yeah, no one from the federal government would be there to help you if the Democrats get their way. Oh, and if you're at sea or you're a drug dealer or maybe some other country that's looking to do harm, don't worry. Democrats also say, yeah, that includes the U.S. coast Guard. So if you're sinking on a boat, tough luck for you. Democrats say no more. And if you are caring about our president and others around him and other cabinet members, well, you would like the Secret Service protection. If Democrats get their way, shutting down the Department of Homeland Security, that would include the Secret Service. And finally, maybe this is what it's really all about for them. U.S. citizenship and Immigration Services under the USCIS. Yes, you've probably dealt with them if you've ever had to get a passport or other things like that. Well, Democrats also apparently say, yeah, let's get rid of that as well. So to be clear, in the midterm elections, Democrats are saying exactly what they believe. They hate this country. They hate secure borders. They hate law and order. They hate fema. They hate the Coast Guard, they hate the Secret Service, and they hate the people that help U.S. citizens and immigration services as well. And they want to abolish all of it just because they don't like ICE actions. This is what the midterms are going to be about. And thank goodness Donald Trump has made it clear as he had a campaign rally for the midterms. We must continue to fight back against this anarchy.

Now, story number two, Cash Patel, the

FBI director, is now coming out and saying that the FBI has uncovered antifa funding sources in a major breaking news event. Now, let me remind you of where we were about four months ago when Cash Patel was talking at the White House, when Cash Patel was talking at the White House with President Trump. And this is what he said.

[Cash Patel]

What we are doing at the FBI is simple. It does not require rocket science. We are following the money. Money never lies. And that's what it's going to take to bring down this network of organized criminal thugs, gang bangers and yes, domestic terrorists, because that's what they are. They are harming everyday citizens in every single one of our communities. And the folks you see here on the right and left, they're some of the bravest men and women we have today. They're reporting the stories live time because the mainstream media won't cover it. They're putting their lives on the line. They're standing up for the flag. The least we can do is stand up for them. So you have my thanks. I read more of your stories than I do theirs because you guys are putting out the truth and we deserve a country where you are protected as equally as they are. We in this FBI will go after with the criminals with a vengeance. We will not rest until we find every single seed money donor organization and funding mechanism that we have. And I want to echo the Secretary's comments on Scott Bessant, who's allowing us to map out these networks through their financial criminal activities. Which has been going on for decades. And I would like to remind the American public, they built this diseased temple of corruption over decades. And in eight short months, Mr. President, you have crippled their foundation because of your leadership here, because of the interagency, because of people like Deputy Attorney General Blanche and because of Attorney General Pam Bondi's fearless leadership to go after criminals wherever they are, they will not be able to hide. They were able to hide and conspire with prior administrations. And we are exposing their corruption from within. And we will go to every single city in this country under Operation Summer Heat and the other operations we are doing at the FBI to bring these criminals to justice. We will arrest every single one of them from whatever perch you sit in, private or public, no matter how your goal or your ambition is, it will be crushed by the Constitution because the American people deserve law and order. And that's what we're going to give you.

[Ben Ferguson]

You listen to Cash Patel there and he made it very clear we're going to go after the funders. The FBI will follow the funds to dismantle Antifa operations. So fast forward just four and a half months later and the FBI director is saying now that investigators have uncovered what he described as major funding streams tied to Antifa. The revelations signal possible new enforcement actions as the bureau is intensifying their scrutiny of left wing violence. According to the report coming out from the Washington Examiner. Caspel, also speaking on the Dam Bongino show, said the FBI under President Donald Trump has been conducting a financial investigation into how demonstrations linked to the loosely organized far left movement are really supported. Here's part of that interview. There's been actual action to take down and dismantle this entire ring of people.

[Cash Patel]

You're right. We set out to actually activate intelligence based operations. This includes Antifa. And Dan, you know this. How many people were arrested related to Prairie Land? We're over two dozen federal arrests. We're in the middle of federal trial in five of those defendants this week again in Texas, 19 people have been convicted for acts of violence related to Antifa. It's in the indictment. You don't got to believe me or you. Everybody can go read the public indictment. And it didn't just happen there, it happened in cop city in Georgia where we had to go rearrest everybody because the state authorities couldn't get their act together to produce the enough, enough information to take that to trial. So we did. And it's not a creation or manufacturing of information. It exists. It's just a willingness that you and I and this building's new leadership took to say we're going to look at the facts that exist. We're not going to try to make up facts, facts that don't. So we can serve a political narrative. And wait till you and I know you know this, but wait till you see what's coming in the next month or two on the funding streams related to this. You and I had launched a serious investigation. We had said these organizations don't operate alone, don't operate in silence. They operate with a heavy, heavy stream of funding. And we started looking into it. And guess what, Dan?

We found them.

[Ben Ferguson]

We found found them. Now to be clear, Patel did not identify specific donors, organizations or financial mechanisms, but said more details could emerge in the coming months. As the investigation continues, the FBI director said agents are examining whether funding has flowed through US Based nonprofit groups. Let me say that again, whether funding has flowed through US Based nonprofit groups, meaning some of this money could actually be coming from overseas. There's also some groups that have tax exempt status as well as possible foreign sources. He emphasized that investigators are focused on tracing financial support tied to acts of violence specifically and not constitutionally protected protest activity. Go back to what cash Patel said money doesn't lie, describing the effort as a strategy to follow the money to determine who may be underwriting unlawful conduct. Patel also pointed to prosecutions the bureau has already brought that he said were connected to Antifa related violence, including federal arrests and convictions tied to protest incidents in multiple states now under his leadership. He referenced that ongoing federal trial involving nine defendants in Texas. They're accused of ambushing and attempting to murder ice personnel on July 4th of last year. Patel also cited a case from 2023 in Georgia surrounding the proposed Atlanta public safety training facility known as COP City. The director said the FBI has elevated the issue internally by creating what he described as a dedicated program focused on identifying financial backers of protest related violence. Tracking ANTIFA has become so important that the bureau, he said, established additional resources to investigate the funding behind such activity. Antifa has long been described by participants and many analysts as a decentralized movement rather than a formal organization, a distinction that has complicated past law enforcement efforts. They did this on purpose. Why? Because it's hard to pursue conspiracy style cases. Patel points to antifa's organizational structures, including conferences and a national network for local chapters. Bongino also criticized past FBI leadership under Democratic President Barack Obama and Joe Biden for describing ANTIFA as they said an idea. It's not an idea when actual action follows the idea. In September of 25, Trump also signed that executive order declaring Antifa a domestic terrorist organization after first raising the idea during his first term. Patel said the FBI's current approach relies solely on intelligence and financial investigations, similar to those used in other counterterrorism probes. He did not announce new charges tied specifically to the alleged funding networks. But clearly there's a lot more to this story coming very soon. And it also goes back to what was said five months ago at the White House. Donald Trump had a clear mandate on this issue, and Cash Patel and Dan Bongino made sure to pay off on that mandate. So the American people got exactly what they voted for.

Thank you for listening to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson. Please make sure you hit subscribe wherever you're listening to this podcast right now and for more in depth news, also subscribe to the Ben Ferguson Podcast and we will see you back here tomorrow.

[Podcast Host]

Life gets messy. Spills, stains, head accidents and kid chaos. But with Anabe, cleaning up is easy. Our sofas are fully machine washable inside and out, so you never have to stress about messes again. Made with liquid and stain resistant fabrics, that means fewer stains and more peace of mind. Designed for real life, Our sofas feature changeable fabric fabric covers allowing you to refresh your style anytime. Need flexibility? Our modular design lets you rearrange your sofa effortlessly. Perfect for cozy apartments or spacious homes. Plus they're earth friendly and built to last. That's why over 200,000 happy customers have made the switch. Upgrade your space today. Sofas start at just $699. Visit washablesofas.com now and bring home a sofa made for life. That's washablesofas.com offers are subject to change and certain restrictions may apply.

[IFLAG Flag Football Ad Voice]

Flag football is exploding and iflag is leading the way as the Guinness World Record Holder. Iflag hosts premier flag football tournaments nationwide for boys, girls, high school girls and adults. From first time players to elite competitors, iflag iflag delivers top level competition, unforgettable experiences and a community built around the game. Ready to be part of it? Join the movement, find your tournament and learn [e-mail] that's iflag.org Wasn't that delicious?

[Taco Bell Ad Voice]

So good.

[Ben Ferguson]

Your bill, ladies. I got it. No, I got it.

[Cash Patel]

Seriously, I insist.

[Public Investing Ad Voice]

I insisted first.

[Podcast Host]

You know he's silly.

[Ben Ferguson]

People with The Wells Fargo ActiveCash credit card prefer to pay because they earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases. Okay.

[Podcast Host]

Rock, paper scissors for it.

[Ben Ferguson]

Rock, paper scissors.

[Podcast Host]

Shoot.

[Ben Ferguson]

No, the Wells Fargo Active Cash credit card. Visit wells fargo.com ActiveCash Terms apply

[Ryan Reynolds]

Ryan Reynolds here from Mint Mobile with a message for everyone paying Big wireless way too much. Please, for the love of everything good in this world, stop with Mint. You can get premium wireless for just $15 a month, of course, if you enjoy overpaying. No judgments. But that's weird. Okay, one judgment anyway. Give it a [e-mail] Switch upfront payment

[Podcast Host]

of $45 for three month plan equivalent to $15 per month required intro rate first three months only, then full price plan options available, taxes and fees extra. See full [e-mail] this is an iHeart podcast.

[Ben Ferguson]

Guaranteed human.