Paul Perez, president of the National Border Patrol Council, joined Chicago’s Morning Answer with Dan Proft to discuss recent federal operations targeting immigration fraud, the role of ICE and Border Patrol in U.S. cities, and political rhetoric surrounding law enforcement.
Perez’s comments followed the announcement of “Operation Twin Shield” in Minneapolis, where investigators reviewed more than 1,000 cases and identified 275 suspected instances of fraud, including sham marriages and fabricated documents. He also pointed to a separate ICE operation in Dallas that led to 41 arrests tied to sex trafficking at a strip club.
In response to Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass’s criticism that federal authorities were turning American cities into “training grounds for warfare,” Perez strongly rejected the characterization. He said such rhetoric endangers officers by fueling hostility toward federal agents, while the reality is that law enforcement focuses on targeting criminals, gang members, and cartels—not ordinary citizens. He emphasized that agents frequently put themselves at risk to save lives, citing examples of Border Patrol rescuing migrants from dangerous conditions and ICE agents shielding detainees during a recent shooting at a Dallas facility.
Perez argued that Democrats have normalized rising crime in cities by resisting cooperation with federal law enforcement and spreading what he described as false accusations about Border Patrol and ICE. He praised former President Trump for delivering resources to expand staffing and training, pointing to the “big beautiful bill” that authorized thousands of new positions and increased detention capacity. According to Perez, the surge in applications to join Border Patrol reflects restored confidence under Trump’s leadership.
Looking ahead, Perez said border security and public safety must remain central issues as the country heads toward the next election cycle. He urged lawmakers to prioritize funding for agents, officers, judges, and detention space, warning that without those resources the U.S. risks a return to “catch and release” policies. He concluded that restoring law and order requires supporting law enforcement rather than undermining it with political attacks.