On Friday night’s episode of Real Time, Bill Maher questioned Dr. Phil regarding his choice to support Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) during the Trump administration’s raids.
“Why are you involved in these ICE raids? I really don’t get it,” Maher said, a hint of sarcasm in his tone. “You’re supposed to be the kind of person dedicated to family unity, and now you’re participating in actions that literally tear families apart.”
Dr. Phil didn’t shy away from the backlash. “Well, you know, it’s complicated,” he responded, drawing a parallel to law enforcement practices across the country. “If you arrest a citizen and they’ve got a kid in the car, do you think they won’t separate families? Of course they do!”
Maher remained skeptical, asserting, “That’s not how it actually plays out.” Later in the segment, he brought up President Trump, mentioning the administration’s growing unpopularity.
The former talk show host defended ICE agents, framing his comments as a counter to Maher’s initial critique where he mocked a masked officer. Dr. Phil argued that the masks were necessary after lawmakers had “doxxed” them by revealing personal information online.
He also claimed he had seen evidence supporting the raids. “These are dangerous criminals – predators of children that they’re removing from the streets,” Dr. Phil stated. “Who would want them back in their neighborhood?”
ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith noted he partially agreed with Dr. Phil, asserting the need for “border security,” while emphasizing that the methods employed by the administration don’t match the intended message. “The individuals being targeted are not what they initially promoted,” he remarked.
Maher echoed this sentiment, cautioning that targeting workplaces leaves undocumented individuals with few alternatives. “If they have to hide and can’t go to work, what options do they have other than turning to crime?” he questioned.
Reportedly, Dr. Phil has participated in ICE operations once during the raids in Chicago in January and twice in Los Angeles in June.
