Illinois Senator Dick Durbin criticized the Trump administration for allowing Dr. Phil to accompany ICE agents during deportation operations in Chicago. Durbin questioned the television personality's role in the process, expressing concern that his presence could complicate legal proceedings. He emphasized that the focus should be on dangerous individuals, not on creating a spectacle. Dr. Phil's involvement was part of his show on Merit TV, where he filmed arrests and interviewed a convicted sex offender.

Durbin also raised concerns about ICE agents questioning immigrants even after they requested legal counsel, and criticized Trump's executive actions, which he argued could limit due process for those arrested, including legal residents and citizens. He highlighted the contributions of undocumented immigrants to the American workforce, particularly in healthcare and agriculture, and argued for a more balanced approach to immigration enforcement that prioritizes public safety while recognizing the value of immigrant communities.

ICE operations under the Trump administration have led to numerous arrests in major cities, including Chicago and New York, as part of a nationwide crackdown on undocumented immigrants. The arrest of an alleged gang leader in the Bronx highlights the focus on targeting individuals deemed to pose a threat to public safety.