Comedian and TV host Bill Maher asked Dr. Phil, the famous TV personality and former psychologist, why he was taking part in the Trump administration’s immigration raids.
Why This Matters
Dr. Phil, whose real name is Phil McGraw, is well-known for his TV show. He supports President Trump and has appeared at Trump’s campaign rallies and immigration enforcement events, including raids in cities like Chicago and Los Angeles.
The Trump administration is carrying out a big immigration crackdown. They want to deport many people without legal papers, making it one of the largest deportation efforts in U.S. history. ICE agents have arrested thousands of people during these raids.
What Happened
On his HBO show Real Time, Bill Maher asked Dr. Phil why he was joining these raids.
Maher said, “Why are you going on these ICE raids? You’ve spent years helping families stay together. Now you’re part of raids that separate families. Explain that.”
Dr. Phil replied, “Well, now that’s bull****.”
Maher answered, “That’s not true. They are separating families.”
Dr. Phil said, “If someone who is a citizen commits a crime or drives drunk with a child, do you think the family stays together? No, they don’t!”
Maher disagreed, saying that’s not the same thing happening in these raids.
Dr. Phil then talked about ICE agents needing to wear masks because people are trying to find and threaten them online. The Department of Homeland Security said ICE agents have faced many more attacks this year.
Dr. Phil defended the agents by saying, “They’re just doing their job. They didn’t make the law. If you don’t like the law, change it. I don’t like it either!”
Maher asked, “If you don’t like the law, why are you going?” The audience applauded. Dr. Phil answered, “Because it is the law.”
Earlier this year, protests during immigration raids in Los Angeles got so intense that the National Guard and Marines were called in. Dr. Phil was there covering the raids for his TV channel. He also joined border official Tom Homan during raids in Chicago.
What People Are Saying
A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security said the raids are part of President Trump’s plan to deport criminal illegal immigrants and keep America safe.
A Department of Justice spokesperson said the Trump administration is committed to enforcing immigration laws and supporting the deportation efforts.
What’s Next?
Many Democrats and human rights groups have criticized the Trump administration’s immigration policies. They say detention centers treat people badly. The head of DHS, Kristi Noem, defends the department and wants to increase the number of detention beds.
Raids will likely continue as the administration plans to deport people who don’t have legal documents.
