On Chicago’s Morning Answer, Dan Proft welcomed Chris Clem, a retired Border Patrol chief and former Department of Homeland Security adviser, to discuss recent immigration enforcement actions, organized theft rings, and the political battles surrounding federal agents.
ICE Operations in the Midwest
Proft highlighted a recent operation in Kenosha, Wisconsin, where authorities arrested eight individuals tied to a Mexican cartel suspected of running a retail theft ring. Stolen merchandise from major brands like Lululemon and Nike was recovered, along with storage units filled with thousands of dollars in goods. Clem noted that these arrests underscore how targeted ICE operations are, disputing claims by critics that enforcement is indiscriminate.
He explained that the majority of those detained during such operations have either criminal records or outstanding removal orders. Only a small percentage are what he called “collateral arrests,” individuals encountered while pursuing other suspects.
Calls for Transparency and Public Information
Clem stressed the importance of federal agencies sharing more information with the public. He argued that by publicizing the criminal histories of those arrested, DHS and ICE could counter the narrative that enforcement actions are motivated by bias. Proft agreed, saying more communication would help illustrate the scale of criminal activity linked to illegal immigration, including tragic cases of unaccompanied minors who disappear after crossing the border.
Political Pushback Against ICE
The conversation also turned to legislative and activist resistance to ICE. Clem criticized recent California legislation banning ICE officers from wearing masks, calling it a dangerous stunt that ignores federal authority. He emphasized that masks and plainclothes operations are essential for officer safety, citing past attacks on federal facilities.
He also welcomed federal charges against activists accused of doxxing ICE agents, arguing that holding people accountable for targeting officers is key to restoring order.
Broader Immigration Failures
One of the most striking cases discussed was that of a Des Moines, Iowa school superintendent who lived in the country illegally for nearly two decades despite a criminal record and a deportation order. Clem described the case as “the epitome of a broken system,” highlighting the lack of coordination between school boards and immigration enforcement.
“This is a call to do a better job,” Clem said, adding that parents and students deserve leadership free of criminal entanglements and immigration violations.
Bottom Line
Clem argued that the Biden administration’s stepped-up enforcement represents a sharp break from recent years and is “firing on all cylinders.” Still, he said the country needs more transparency and accountability to counter false narratives and ensure public confidence in immigration enforcement.