Dr. Phil McGraw, the well-known television psychologist, has recently taken on unexpected and controversial new role by directly participating in ICE immigration raids around Chicago. This development caught the attention of the public and media alike, especially as the administration under former President Donald Trump ramped up its immigration crackdown. McGraw, famous for hosting the daytime talk show
"Dr. Phil" for over two decades, has recently emerged as a vocal supporter of stringent immigration policies.
During his involvement with the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, Dr. Phil reportedly witnessed the apprehension of individuals he described as "known criminals and terrorists." His commitment to this cause does not come as complete surprise, especially since he has appeared alongside Trump during rallies and discussed his immigration views on various platforms, including podcasts and social media. Just last year, he commented on his concerns for American families, attributing them to immigration laws he feels are not being enforced properly.
Commenting on the latest raids, McGraw said, "I certainly don't think she was crying for these individuals," referencing Selena Gomez's emotional video response to the raids. This message from the pop-star, who expressed heartfelt remorse for those affected by deportations, triggered backlash from McGraw. "They were reading off the charges and the convictions in the command center - murder, murder, child sex crimes, child rape, aggravated assault," he added emphatically.
The phrase describing those being taken down during the ICE operation reflected a narrative McGraw strongly emphasized throughout his multiple engagements. "Safety was their number one concern," he asserted, praising ICE for the professionalism displayed during the raids. He offered insights on the investigative work involved, stressing, "[ICE agents] are focusing on the worst first. That is the way they describe it and I was able to see how much investigative work they put in to these targets."
Dr. Phil's remarks align closely with his recent ventures on Merit TV, where he has established himself as not only a talk-show host but as someone actively disrupting the news landscapes with what he categorizes as unbiased reporting on major issues facing Americans today. Merit TV, launched about ten months ago, claims to provide traditional family content alongside news reporting, seeking what McGraw refers to as, "common ground through clarity and common sense."
Despite his credentials as a media figure, McGraw's sudden shift to aggressive political commentary has raised eyebrows. Selena Gomez's video, marked by deep emotion, highlighted her concern for children facing deportation. Between sobs, she expressed, "I just want to say I'm so sorry. All my people are getting attacked, the children... I don’t understand. I’m so sorry, I wish I could do something but I can’t. I don’t know what to do. I’ll try everything, I promise." Her distress showcases the broader human stories tied to immigration policies, stories McGraw seems content to dismiss or reinterpret.
At the heart of this situation lies the question of how media figures, especially those like Dr. Phil who have built their careers on empathy and connection, respond to real human suffering when intersected with political agendas. Although he complimented Gomez for her sincerity, McGraw noted, "I’m not sure who she was identifying with... I don’t think she would relate to the people taken down in this operation." This comment suggests a disconnection between his reality of law enforcement and the emotional responses to trauma experienced by families facing deportation.
Public response has varied widely, with some applauding Dr. Phil's hands-on approach during the raids, asserting it brings attention to crime, safety, and border control. Others, like activists and those sympathetic to the plight of migrants, see the situation as trivializing the serious humanitarian concerns around immigration enforcement. The reactions to Gomez's video have similarly illustrated the divide on how the public perceives immigration issues.
The reality of celebrity involvement complicates matters, as Dr. Phil’s name recognition and ability to ignite conversations about contentious issues like immigration cannot be understated. Experts, including Syracuse University professor Robert Thompson, have pointed out the surprising nature of his appearance, emphasizing how prominent figures can influence public perceptions of significant policies.
Indeed, McGraw’s perspective and portrayal can significantly shape how audiences understand and respond to immigration debates. Yet, the discussion surrounding Gomez's tears and McGraw's stern rebuke raises poignant questions about the ethical responsibilities of public figures as they engage with sensitive topics. It showcases the stark differences between viewing immigration as merely policy versus recognizing it as deeply personal and often tragic for those caught up within its confines.
Continued public discourse on these immigration raids will likely evolve as more high-profile figures weigh in with their insights and opinions. McGraw’s participation highlights the unsettling intersection of entertainment and urgent policy discussions, drawing attention to the influence of media representation on real-world issues.