Dr. Phil McGraw, the well-known television personality and psychologist, has sparked significant controversy following his involvement in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids across Chicago and other major cities. Dr. Phil, who participated alongside border czar Tom Homan and ICE officers on January 26, 2025, has been both criticized and defended for filming the operations as part of his show on Merit TV.
During the raids, which were part of President Donald Trump’s broader immigration crackdown, Dr. Phil filmed real-time arrests of illegal immigrants and even interviewed one convicted sex offender from Thailand as he was being taken away by agents. This move has been condemned by many, who argue it trivializes the serious nature of immigration enforcement.
Dr. Phil defended his participation, stating the operation was targeted. "They're not sweeping neighborhoods like people are trying to imply," he declared, emphasizing the specificity of the operation aimed at capturing 270 identified 'high-value targets.' This classification supposedly included known criminals and individuals regarded as threats.
Critics of Dr. Phil's involvement pointed out the ethical concerns surrounding the commercialized portrayal of ICE activities, arguing it reduces the human impact of such actions to mere entertainment fodder. A petition circulating online calls for the immediate cessation of filming during ICE raids, stating: "We do not need TV personalities taping and glorifying what is happening." Activists stress the emotional toll such raids can have on immigrant families and communities.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson firmly stated the city’s commitment to being a sanctuary city, reassuring residents of their rights concerning immigration enforcement. "There have been confirmed reports of ICE enforcement activity... Chicago police were not involved in this immigration enforcement activity," he wrote, urging residents to remain informed about their constitutional rights and advisories about what to do during such raids. Johnson’s remarks highlight the city’s traditional approach to safeguarding its immigrant population from aggressive ICE activities.
According to reports, ICE arrested nearly 1,000 individuals across the U.S. during this series of raids, underscoring the heightened pace of enforcement since Trump took office. Following his inauguration, Trump lifted restrictions on ICE operations at sensitive locations such as schools and hospitals. This policy change has resulted in increased anxiety among immigrant communities, fearing they may face arrest even during routine activities like drop-offs at schools or medical visits.
The number of ICE arrests totaled 956 on the Sunday of Dr. Phil's participation and jumped to 1,179 the following day, marking the highest daily average since record-keeping began. The stark shift from earlier averages has left many advocates concerned about the potential for trauma among children witnessing their parents being arrested.
While Dr. Phil described his role as reflecting law enforcement’s targeting strategy—rather than indiscriminate sweeps—many remain apprehensive about the impact of filming such serious encounters. Critics continue to advocate for greater compassion and sensitivity, stating, "These are people’s lives impacted by ICE enforcement, not entertainment for TV shows."
With Trump’s administration continuing its strict immigration policies, the intersection of media presence and law enforcement remains contentious, with cultural figures like Dr. Phil caught between public fascination and the real-life consequences of those targeted.
Dr. Phil's participation has ignited debate around the ethics of media exploitation during politically charged operations. Is it appropriate to turn the serious issue of immigration enforcement, which affects many families, including children, immigrants vulnerable to deportation, and established community members, to sensational television content? Such questions linger as these operations continue.
With the immigrant community at high risk and their fears exacerbated by high-profile raids conducted under the scrutiny of national media, the call for compassion and responsible reporting echoes loudly from those advocating for justice and humane treatment of all individuals, regardless of their legal status.