Dr. Phil McGraw, the iconic television personality and close ally of President Donald Trump, has embedded himself with federal agents to cover immigration enforcement operations in Chicago. His exclusive behind-the-scenes coverage is part of a sweeping deportation initiative led by Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan.
“It’s a pretty high-risk mission that we’re going on,” Dr. Phil said in a candid moment, speaking to the camera from his hotel room before heading out with Homan and law enforcement officials.
This operation marks an early push under the second Trump administration, where Homan has begun executing nationwide deportation raids. These raids are facilitated by the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, a federal law originally passed during heightened tensions with France. The Act permits the arrest, detention and deportation of foreign nationals from countries the U.S. is at war with or considers hostile. While its original intent was to address security concerns during wartime, modern interpretations have expanded its application to deport illegal immigrants as part of broader immigration crackdowns.
Dr. Phil’s first arrest on the ground involved the apprehension of a convicted sex offender and internet predator from Thailand.
JUST IN: The first arrest in Chicago with @RealTomHoman was a convicted sex offender and internet predator from Thailand.
— Dr. Phil (@DrPhil) January 27, 2025
For full live coverage of the operation, download the MeritTV app. pic.twitter.com/KEcphUWDDJ
“You’ve never been deported before?” Dr. Phil asked the detainee, whose surprise at seeing the TV psychologist was evident.
“You’re Dr. Phil?!” the man exclaimed. “You look like Dr. Phil.”
“Yeah?” Dr. Phil shot back, adding, “How do you know me?”
“I seen you on Dr. Phil,” the man replied, baffled.
In a scene that felt more like To Catch a Predator than a deportation raid, Dr. Phil attempted to draw out a confession, asking, “You been charged with sex crimes against children?”
The detainee, avoiding eye contact, mumbled, “Not really.”
“Not really?” Dr. Phil pressed, incredulous. “Never been deported?”
“Nope,” the man responded flatly.
“Huh…” replied Dr. Phil, letting the awkward silence hang in the air.
The surreal exchange quickly went viral on social media.
For live coverage of these operations and other exclusive content, download MeritTV, a free app from Merit Street Media that streams Dr. Phil’s latest show alongside other original programming.
FULL COVERAGE:https://t.co/dTyODw9jxv
— Dr. Phil (@DrPhil) January 27, 2025
READ NEXT: Colombian President Backpedals On Deportation Flights Refusal
“…and close ally of former President Donald Trump”
Why would you write that? What were you thinking???
Good for yo Dr Phill deport