Verdict with Ted Cruz: Episode Summary Host: Ben Ferguson and Senator Ted Cruz
Episode Title: War w Violent Illegal Criminals & Biden's Pardons become a Disaster
Release Date: January 24, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of "Verdict with Ted Cruz," co-host Ben Ferguson delves into three pivotal topics dominating the political landscape: President Donald Trump's aggressive stance on illegal immigration, the release of long-sealed government files pertaining to major historical assassinations, and the controversial pardons issued by President Joe Biden to his family members. This comprehensive discussion offers listeners an in-depth analysis of these issues, highlighting their implications for national security, governmental transparency, and legal accountability.

1. Trump's Offensive on Illegal Immigration

Deployment of Troops and Policy Shifts

Ben Ferguson opens the discussion by outlining President Trump's decisive actions against illegal immigration. Within just three days of his administration, Trump has:

• Deployed Over 1,500 Active-Duty Troops to reinforce the U.S.-Mexico border.
• Mandated Immediate Deportations for individuals caught crossing illegally, abolishing the previous "catch and release" policy under the Biden administration.
• Authorized the Defense Department to Utilize Military Aircraft in supporting Customs and Border Patrol operations.

Impact and Outcomes

These measures have led to a significant uptick in arrests, particularly targeting individuals with violent criminal backgrounds. In a mere 33-hour window, ICE has apprehended over 460 illegal immigrants, emphasizing the administration's focus on enhancing national security and public safety.

Notable Arrests and Statements

Among those detained:

• A Haitian migrant with 17 prior convictions became emblematic of the new crackdown. Recorded at [03:10], he declared:

  "I'm not going back to Haiti... Yo, Biden forever, bro. Thank Obama for everything that he did for me, bro."
  (Timestamp: 03:10)

• Additional arrests included a Honduran individual convicted of rape at gunpoint and a Guatemalan MS-13 gang member involved in armed crimes.

ICE Operations and Sanctuary Jurisdictions

Ferguson highlights ICE's intensified efforts in sanctuary cities, where previously, certain jurisdictions protected illegal immigrants from federal deportation orders. According to [04:40], ICE Officer comments:

"So our main target was released by sanctuary jurisdictions, not honoring detainer... he's going to go today, too."
(Timestamp: 04:40)

This shift marks a significant departure from past policies, ensuring that individuals with criminal histories face swift deportation.

Expert Insights

Border Czar Tom Homan is quoted at [05:00]:

"When we find the bad guy, he's probably with others, others that are in the United States illegally. They may not be a criminal priority, but we're not walking away from them."
(Timestamp: 05:00)

Ferguson underscores the administration's relentless pursuit, stating:

"In just a 33 hour period under the Trump administration... are going out there and grabbing and arresting now more than 460 illegal immigrants... Trump's clearly winning."
(Timestamp: 05:14)

2. Release of Historical Assassination Files

Executive Order and Transparency

Ferguson transitions to President Trump's commitment to governmental transparency, particularly concerning the assassinations of key historical figures. Trump has ordered the declassification and release of previously sealed files related to the assassinations of:

• President John F. Kennedy (JFK)
• Senator Robert F. Kennedy (RFK)
• Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK)

Details of the Executive Order

Signed in the Oval Office, Trump emphasized the overdue nature of this transparency:

"A lot of people are waiting for this for a long... For years, for decades. And everything will be revealed."
(Timestamp: 07:59)

The order mandates:

• 15 Days for the Justice Department and Office of the Director of National Intelligence to plan the full release of JFK assassination files.
• 45 Days for RFK and MLK assassination records.

Historical Context and Implications

Ferguson provides background on JFK's assassination in 1963, highlighting the lingering questions surrounding Lee Harvey Oswald's motives and potential conspiracies. The release aims to address decades-old speculations and provide a comprehensive account to the American public.

Trump's rationale centers on his administration's principle of transparency, echoing his broader campaign promises to unveil government-held secrets.

3. Biden's Pardons: Legal and Political Ramifications

Critique of Biden's Pardon Decisions

Shifting focus, Ferguson criticizes President Joe Biden's recent pardons extended to his family members. Trump, in a sit-down interview with Sean Hannity, expressed regret over Biden's decision, highlighting that it "opened Pandora's box."

Trump's Stance on Pardon Powers

Donald Trump clarified his position on pardons:

"He heard that I was going to do, I didn't want to do it... I said, I'm not going to pardon anybody. We didn't do anything wrong..."
(Timestamp: 10:20)

He contrasted his approach with Biden's by asserting that he refrained from issuing broad pardons, particularly not to himself.

Constitutional Implications and Legal Analyst Insights

Senator Ted Cruz elaborates on the legal consequences of Biden's pardons:

"By the way, one of the results of all these pardons is that Congress can now subpoena the members of the Biden family and force them to answer questions under oath. And they don't have a Fifth Amendment right to decline to answer."
(Timestamp: 11:45)

A legal analyst explains:

"The Fifth Amendment says that you can't be forced to testify against yourself... If you refuse to answer, you can be held in contempt and put in jail."
(Timestamp: 12:05)

This means pardoned individuals, no longer under criminal jeopardy, cannot invoke the Fifth Amendment to avoid testimony before Congress. Non-compliance could lead to legal penalties, including contempt charges.

Potential Consequences for High-Profile Figures

Ferguson speculates on the broader impact, mentioning figures like Dr. Anthony Fauci:

"They don't have a Fifth Amendment right to refuse to answer questions under oath... I think DOJ would prosecute him."
(Timestamp: 12:51)

He cautions:

"If your last name is Biden and you got a pardon, well, you may be careful what you wish for."
(Timestamp: 13:06)

This underscores the potential for increased accountability and legal scrutiny of pardoned individuals.

Conclusion

In this episode, Ben Ferguson and Senator Ted Cruz present a robust analysis of current political strategies and their ramifications. President Trump's assertive actions on illegal immigration and commitment to transparency are juxtaposed against President Biden's controversial pardons, highlighting a stark contrast in governance approaches. The discussions emphasize the ongoing battle over policy enforcement, governmental openness, and the intricate balance between executive powers and legislative oversight. Listeners are left with a nuanced understanding of these critical issues shaping the nation's future.

Notable Quotes:

• Haitian Migrant:
  "I'm not going back to Haiti... Yo, Biden forever, bro. Thank Obama for everything that he did for me, bro."
  (03:10)

• ICE Officer on Collateral Arrests:
  "So our main target was released by sanctuary jurisdictions, not honoring detainer... he's going to go today, too."
  (04:40)

• Tom Homan:
  "When we find the bad guy, he's probably with others, others that are in the United States illegally. They may not be a criminal priority, but we're not walking away from them."
  (05:00)

• Donald Trump on JFK Assassination Files:
  "A lot of people are waiting for this for a long... For years, for decades. And everything will be revealed."
  (07:59)

• Legal Analyst on Pardons:
  "The Fifth Amendment says that you can't be forced to testify against yourself... If you refuse to answer, you can be held in contempt and put in jail."
  (12:05)

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