BONUS POD: W. Virginia, South Dakota, Arkansas Join ICE in Crackdown plus House Probe Deepens on AutoPen

Summary

Verdict with Ted Cruz: Episode Summary

Episode Title: BONUS POD: W. Virginia, South Dakota, Arkansas Join ICE in Crackdown plus House Probe Deepens on AutoPen
Release Date: August 14, 2025
Host: Ben Ferguson
Co-host: Senator Ted Cruz
Producer: Premiere Networks

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1. Expanded ICE Enforcement Operations in Three States

Overview:
In this episode, Ben Ferguson delves into the significant developments regarding immigration enforcement in three states: West Virginia, South Dakota, and Arkansas. These states have entered into new agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to bolster immigration enforcement within their jurisdictions.

West Virginia:
Governor Patrick Morsay announced a comprehensive collaboration under Section 287G of the Immigration and Nationality Act. This partnership enlists the West Virginia State Police, Corrections and Rehabilitation Division, and the National Guard to assist ICE in immigration enforcement.

• Key Provisions:
  • Interrogation: Officers can interrogate individuals suspected of being undocumented immigrants.
  • Processing Violations: Handling immigration violations for those already arrested for other offenses.
  • Warrantless Arrests: Authority to make warrantless arrests of suspected flight risks pending a warrant.
  • Evidence Collection: Serving immigration warrants, administering oaths, collecting fingerprints, and gathering evidence.
  • Detainers: Issuing immigration detainers and holding individuals in correctional facilities before transferring them to ICE.

South Dakota:
Under "Operation Prairie Thunder," the South Dakota Highway Patrol will support ICE with arrests. The National Guard will assist with processing and administrative tasks, while the Department of Corrections will handle the transportation of detainees and identify undocumented individuals within state facilities.

Arkansas:
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed the Defense Against Criminal Illegals Act, which increases penalties for undocumented immigrants convicted of violent crimes. This agreement allows sheriffs to apply for 287 authority to serve immigration warrants on individuals already in custody. Additionally, Arkansas State Police are empowered to stop individuals in public, inquire about their immigration status, and potentially arrest suspected undocumented immigrants.

• Training Requirements:
  Arkansas mandates a 40-hour online course covering immigration law, civil rights, cross-cultural issues, and liability to ensure responsible enforcement.

Quotes:

• Ben Ferguson [03:37]:
  “These agreements with West Virginia, South Dakota, and Arkansas are clear indicators that states are taking decisive action to enhance immigration enforcement, ensuring that illegal immigration is addressed head-on.”

• Ben Ferguson [08:46]:
  “The Trump administration has significantly accelerated these partnerships, growing from around 135 to over 700 agreements in early 2025 alone, demonstrating a robust commitment to law and order.”

Context and Analysis:

Ben Ferguson highlights the Trump administration’s strategic approach to immigration enforcement, emphasizing that these state-led initiatives are designed to fight crime without federal grandstanding. He notes the absence of public statements from the White House, suggesting a deliberate strategy to present these actions as state-driven rather than federal mandates.

Furthermore, Ferguson addresses criticisms from the left regarding potential civil rights risks and racial profiling, countering that these programs are solely focused on enhancing immigration enforcement without targeting specific communities unfairly.

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2. House Oversight Committee's Investigation into Biden Administration

Overview:
The episode shifts focus to the ongoing investigations by the House Oversight Committee into former President Joe Biden’s tenure, specifically examining allegations of his cognitive decline and the use of auto pens in signing legislation.

Investigation into Cognitive Decline:

Ben Ferguson discusses how the House Oversight Committee is probing claims that former President Biden experienced significant cognitive decline during his presidency. Despite former staff members asserting there were no obvious signs of such decline, the committee seeks to uncover the truth behind these allegations.

Auto Pen Probe:

The committee is also investigating the use of auto pens—mechanisms that allow for the automatic signing of legislation—during Biden’s administration. Questions arise about the legitimacy and oversight of such practices, especially concerning the integrity of the legislative process.

Interview with Newt Gingrich:

A notable segment includes former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich’s conversation with Mark Levin, where Gingrich expresses serious concerns about the potential abuse of the auto pen and Biden’s competency.

• Quotes:

  • Mark Levin [10:18]:
    “Did you ever think you'd see the day where we're raising serious questions about a former president, whether he signed these bills or if he was present when the bills were signed?”

  • Newt Gingrich [10:50]:
    “These people are corrupt, irresponsible and happy to exploit the nation for their own gain. It raises a very big question about whether these laws are, in fact, laws.”

  • Mark Levin [12:03]:
    “Is it really asking a president too much to sign the damn bills or to be present when the bills are signed? If he's having difficulty doing that, doesn't that kind of prove the point?”

  • Newt Gingrich [12:46]:
    “Joe Biden clearly was incompetent as defined by the 25th amendment. ... Dr. Jill was the most important. She became, in effect, the acting president, United States.”

Implications:

Gingrich underscores the severity of the situation by asserting that Biden's inability to perform presidential duties effectively violates the 25th Amendment. He criticizes Biden’s administration for neglecting constitutional duties and suggests that Vice President Kamala Harris may have assumed de facto presidential responsibilities, though she was not elected to that role.

Ben Ferguson ties these revelations back to the House Oversight Committee’s investigation, emphasizing the gravity of the claims and the ongoing efforts to hold the former administration accountable despite Congress being on its traditional August recess.

Quotes:

• Ben Ferguson [13:37]:
  “You listen to the claim there by Newt Gingrich that he says Joe Biden effectively became the de facto President of the United States of America. She was not elected by anyone, which goes back to exactly why this investigation is happening and why the House Oversight Committee is still investigating the alleged cover up of former President Joe Biden's decline even while much of Congress is out of town.”

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3. Conclusion

Ben Ferguson wraps up the episode by reiterating the significance of the two major stories: the intensified immigration enforcement collaborations in three states and the deepening House Oversight Committee investigations into former President Biden’s administration. He underscores the ongoing efforts to uphold law and order and maintain governmental integrity.

Final Remarks:

• Ben Ferguson [14:04]:
  “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.”

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Key Takeaways:

1. Strengthened Immigration Enforcement:

   • Three states—West Virginia, South Dakota, and Arkansas—have implemented expanded ICE enforcement operations, reflecting a nationwide push to address illegal immigration more aggressively.

2. Ongoing Investigations in Congress:

   • Despite the August recess, the House Oversight Committee remains active in investigating potential abuses and misconduct within the former Biden administration, focusing on cognitive decline allegations and the use of auto pens in the legislative process.

3. Political Implications:

   • The episode highlights the partisan divide on immigration and governmental accountability, with significant actions being taken amidst differing public statements and political strategies.

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Notable Quotes Recap:

• Ben Ferguson [03:37]:
  “These agreements... are clear indicators that states are taking decisive action to enhance immigration enforcement.”

• Newt Gingrich [10:50]:
  “These people are corrupt, irresponsible and happy to exploit the nation for their own gain.”

• Newt Gingrich [12:46]:
  “Joe Biden clearly was incompetent as defined by the 25th amendment... Dr. Jill was the most important.”

• Ben Ferguson [13:37]:
  “...why the House Oversight Committee is still investigating the alleged cover up of former President Joe Biden's decline even while much of Congress is out of town.”

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Final Notes:
This episode of "Verdict with Ted Cruz" provides a comprehensive analysis of current immigration enforcement trends in selected states and delves into significant congressional investigations targeting the previous administration's conduct and leadership capabilities. Through detailed discussions and expert insights, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the political dynamics shaping today's governance.

Transcript

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[Ben Ferguson]

We're gonna fight crime. That's a good thing. Already they're saying he's a dictator. The place is going to hell and we've got to stop it. So instead of saying he's a dictator, they should say we're gonna join him and make Washington safe.

[Newt Gingrich]

But.

[Ben Ferguson]

They say he's a dictator and then they end up getting mugged.

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

Good Thursday morning. So nice to have you with us. 47 Morning Update. And we've got two very big stories for you this morning. First up, not one, not two, but now three states have signed a new agreement with ICE for expanded immigration enforcement operations. This starting with West Virginia's governor announcing this wide ranging ICE agreement enlisting police, corrections and the National Guard.

And what's interesting about all this is.

The President, the White House are being very quiet about it. I'm going to explain why. Also, while Congress is on its traditional August recess, it doesn't mean that important work is not being done in D.C.

In fact, the House Oversight Committee is still investigating the alleged cover up of former President Joe Biden's massive cognitive decline and trying to find the answer to the question who was actually running the country and what was their name and did anyone ever vote for them? Well, that is exactly what's happening in D.C. right now. And I'm going to give the latest on the investigation.

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[Ben Ferguson]

It's the 47 Morning Update and it starts right now.

Story number one, it is Democrats biggest.

Fear law and order returning state by and states now working with the Trump administration and ICE officials. Specifically, we now have three states that have signed a new agreement with ICE for, quote, expanded immigration enforcement operations. These three states include West Virginia, South Dakota and Arkansas, all signing the agreements with the Department of Homeland Security's US Immigration Customs Enforcement to specifically, they say, ramp up immigration enforcement within their jurisdictions. West Virginia was the first one. The governor there, Patrick Morsay, announced a robust collaboration under section 287G of the Immigration and Nationality Act. This agreement enlists the West Virginia State Police, Corrections and Rehabilitation Division and the National Guard to assist ICE in immigration enforcement. Translation, if you're an illegal immigrant, you don't want to be in West Virginia right now. Now, under this task force structure, officers can, quote, interrogate anyone suspected of being an undocumented immigrant. Number two, process immigration violations for individuals already arrested for other offenses three, conduct warrantless arrests if an individual is seen and suspected to be a flight risk pending a warrant four, serve immigration warrants, administer oaths, collect fingerprints and gather evidence and five, issue immigration detainers and hold individuals in correctional facilities before transferring them to ICE cussy under federal supervision. You look at what has happened in South Dakota. The governor there, as part of his, quote, operation Prairie Thunder, a public safety initiative, will now have the South Dakota Highway Patrol support ICE with arrests, announcing it today. The National Guard assists with the processing and administrative tasks as well. And the Department of Corrections will help transport Detainees identify undocumented individuals within state.

Prisons and parole them into ICE custody.

You then move to Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, former White House press secretary under Donald Trump, signing the Defense Against Criminal Illegals act, which definitively increases penalties for undocumented immigrants convicted of violent crimes. Again saying to illegal immigrants, you don't want to be in Arkansas. It also with this new agreement, allows sheriffs to apply for the 287 authority to serve immigration warrants on those already in custody. And Sarah Huckabee center is announcing this enables the Arkansas State Police to stop individuals in public, inquire about immigration status and potentially arrest suspected undocumented immigrants. Now, if you think they're doing this light hearted, you're wrong. For example, in Arkansas, there is training required, a 40 hour online course covering scope, immigration law, civil rights, cross cultural issues, as well as liability, doing this in a responsible way. Now, you may be asking, what is ICE 287G program? Well, let me explain to you the broader context of how this is being used by the Trump administration. The program enables state and local officers after ICE provided training to carry out certain immigration enforcement duties under ICE supervision. That is why there's a collaboration here and why they are having to sign on to the program. Now, as of August 13, ICE has executed 897 agreements across 40 states, including various models such as jail enforcement, warrant service and task force operations. The Trump administration has significantly accelerated these partnerships, growing from around 135 to over 700 agreements in early 2025 alone. Of course, the left is going insane warning that this surge is a risk to quote, civil rights Community Trust and invites, they say racial profiling, even though none of these programs have anything to do with that. Now, you also may be asking yourself, why am I not quoting the president right now when I'm telling you about this initiative? Well, the president clearly is playing chess on the issue. In fact, the White House has had no public statement or reaction regarding these specific agreements with West Virginia, South Dakota and Arkansas, mainly because they want this to be clearly seen as state led, that these governors are opting in. And that is exactly why the administration is being so successful in getting this done with so many different agreements. Because they're not grandstanding, they're just trying to fight crime. And it's clearly working.

Now, story number two, it is the traditional August recess. It's happening right now in Washington, D.C. congress is back in their districts, in theory tending to business of listening to the constituents. That doesn't mean there isn't Anything going on with the House auto pin probe? In fact, it's uncovering a lot about the Biden White House even as Congress is on their traditional recess. The House Oversight Committee, I've been told today, is still investigating the alleged cover up of former President Joe Biden's decline. The former president insisting he was responsible for, quote, all decisions that came out of the White House during his time in office. And former staff members claim they saw no obvious signs of a cognitive decline. Well, the House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer discussing the committee's investigation to whether the Biden administration covered up the cognitive deterioration of the former president.

Now, there's also been the question of precedent. What is the auto pin like in the past? And can you compare how other government officials use the auto pin in contrast to how it was being used when Joe Biden was in office? Clearly, that would help tremendously in the investigation. Well, former speaker of the House Newt Gingrich sat down with my good friend Mark Levin, and he was asked about the auto pen when he was a Speaker of the House signing legislation and how big of a deal it was to use the auto pin. How seriously was the auto pin taken and how much was it also protected from abuse? I want you to hear what Newt Gingrich had to say to Levin.

[Mark Levin]

Luke Gingrich, question. When you were speaker of the House, I bet you took this signature requirement very seriously. I bet you took the requirement that a president actually be present when a bill is signed very, very seriously. I know there's a lot of formalities to the fact when certain bills are brought, they're brought in a special way. They're handed to somebody specifically. There's a whole process set up. Did you ever think you'd see the day where we're raising serious questions about a former president, whether he signed these bills or if he was present when the bills were signed?

[Newt Gingrich]

Well, put it that way, sure. Look, these people are corrupt, irresponsible and happy to exploit the nation for their own gain. So given those kind of people, who knows what they might do? I think it does raise, as you have brilliantly done in this show today, it raises a very big question about whether or not these laws are, in fact, laws. Remember, the founding fathers understood that you had to have a pretty strict series of rules or the whole system breaks down into a kind of corruption which undermines the rule of law. The rule of law requires rules. And one of those rules is that the president signs bills. Now he can direct an auto pen for things that are, you know, Ceremonial Christmas cards, for example. But the president ought to be signing these things. And when you learn that Biden was signing thousands of commutations in the last few days of his administration, you know, he didn't have a clue what was going on. You know, we have no idea what the deals were, why those people were given commutations, or if in fact they were legal. So I do think there's a profound question here, and probably the Congress and President Trump should really write some more restrictive rules about what it takes to get a bill to actually be a law.

[Mark Levin]

It's interesting, Newt Gingrich, when I went back and looked at Madison's notes and looked at some of the other essays and comments on that, they spent a lot of time on this. They spent a lot of time on this signature issue. They remembered the statute of frauds from the 1600s. It was very important to them. And back then, it was, this guy's the president. You know, we didn't have this massive bureaucracy. He's going to sign these laws. We in Congress, we're going to spend our time doing all this and send it to him. We're concerned that somebody might hijack it, somebody might sign it. And there's also this presentment requirement that he needs to be present. I mean, let me ask you, is it really asking a president too much to sign the damn bills or to be present when the bills are signed? I mean, if he's having difficulty doing that, doesn't that kind of prove the point?

[Newt Gingrich]

Well, look, I don't think any reasonable person thinks that after some point in 2023, Joe Biden clearly was incompetent as defined by the 25th amendment. As you walked us through, I mean, when you read the amendment and you read the discussion around the amendment, it's very clear Biden clearly was incompetent. Sometime, I can't say any given date, but sometime in 23, it should have been obvious to every person who was dealing with him that he was no longer competent to be president. And I agree with you. Every one of these Cabinet officers and Vice President Harris failed their constitutional duty. And they should, frankly, be stuck with that, that these are people who willfully cheated the American people and allowed a phony presidency in Which I'm guessing, Dr. Jill was the most important. She became, in effect, the acting president, United States.

[Ben Ferguson]

You listen to the claim there by Newt Gingrich that he says Joe Biden effectively became the de facto President of the United States of America. She was not elected by anyone, which goes back to exactly why this investigation is happening and why the House Oversight Committee is still investigating the alleged cover up of former President Joe Biden's decline even while much of Congress is out of town.

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.

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