In a surprising and controversial move, “Dr. Phil” the well-known television personality and psychologist, has embedded himself with law enforcement in Chicago to film a series of migrant raids. Like many other decisions taken by “Dr. Phil”, this has sparked a wide range of reactions from the public, advocacy groups, and media critics. An avid Trump supporter, spoke at a Trump rally in October.
Pumping up the drama, he stated, in a post on X, “it’s a pretty high-risk mission we’re going on. This truly is a targeted ICE mission, because they’re not sweeping neighborhoods like people are trying to imply.” He said that ICE has identified 270 “high value targets” and they were going after them.
“These are known criminals and terrorists,” Dr. Phil added. “We’re talking about murderers, child traffickers, child rapists. We’re talking about bad actors, both in the countries they’ve come from, and since they’ve been here in the United States.”
Dr. Phil, whose full name is Phillip Calvin McGraw, is best known for hosting the popular eponymous daytime talk show that started in 2002 in the wake of the genre created by Oprah Winfrey that encouraged average people to share their sufferings, misfortunes and most intimate secrets on daytime television. “Dr. Phil” sensationalizes issues and encourages people to act out. Family and sexual dysfunction, people with delusions, secret paternity, mental illness, stalking, these have all been fodder for the show. In one memorable episode he interviewed the father of cannibal killer Jeffrey Dahmer. McGraw initially gained fame through his own appearances on The Oprah Winfrey Show in the late 1990s.
The new series aims to provide an inside look at the operations of law enforcement as they conduct raids to apprehend undocumented immigrants. According to Dr. Phil, the goal is to shed light on the complexities and human stories behind these operations. But not everyone sees his actions in this light, as he is no stranger to controversy and accusations of exploitation.
In the show, Dr. Phil and Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove have publicized his trip to watch DOJ agents support immigration enforcement.
“This morning, I had the privilege of observing brave men and women of the department deploying in lockstep with DHS to address a national emergency arising from four years of failed immigration policy,” Bove said in a statement, adding that the deputized agencies, the FBI, and federal prosecutors would all be working on the effort. It is worth noting that senior DOJ officials like Bove are not typically present at such raids–much less being recorded for a sensationalizing TV talk show.
Over the years, Dr. Phil has been a magnet for accusations of various kinds. These have included a medical license that expired in 2006 and has never been renewed; that he has exploited guests on his show for entertainment purposes, sometimes causing more harm than good; and former staffers have alleged a toxic and racist work environment on the show.
Despite these controversies, Dr. Phil remains a well-known figure in the world of television and mental health.
The announcement that he has embedded himself to participate in ICE raids for entertainment purposes has been met with mixed reactions. Some viewers appreciate the transparency and believe that the series will offer valuable insights into a contentious issue. They argue that understanding the realities of immigration enforcement can foster more informed public discourse.
However, many others have expressed concern and outrage. Advocacy groups for immigrants’ rights have condemned the series, arguing that it could further stigmatize and endanger vulnerable populations. They fear that the show might sensationalize the trauma experienced by migrants and their families, rather than fostering empathy and understanding. Shock and outrage are the prime drivers of high ratings and McGraw is a master at such manipulation.
What’s more, the ethical implications of filming such sensitive operations are significant. Critics argue that the presence of cameras could influence the behavior of both law enforcement officers and the individuals being apprehended. There is also concern about the potential for exploitation of the migrants’ distress—again, for entertainment purposes.
Dr. Phil has met these criticisms head-on by claiming that its purpose is to engage in responsible storytelling. He has assured the public that the series will be handled with the utmost sensitivity and respect for the individuals involved. He also stated that the show aims to highlight the systemic issues and personal struggles that contribute to the immigration crisis.
