Dr. Phil, also known as Phil McGraw, recently accompanied Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers during controversial raids in Los Angeles, sparking days of protests in California. This marked the second time this year that Dr. Phil had been embedded with ICE, the first being a raid in Chicago earlier in the year. During the LA raids, Dr. Phil had exclusive access to ICE’s operations and interacted with detained individuals, although his involvement was less immersive compared to the Chicago incident. Despite criticism for his involvement in these high-profile raids, Dr. Phil’s conservative TV channel, MeritTV, defended his presence as a means to gain firsthand insight into targeted operations.
Following the LA raids, Dr. Phil made a public appearance alongside New York City Mayor Eric Adams at a synagogue, where Adams signed an executive order related to antisemitism. Despite not being Jewish himself, Dr. Phil has expressed strong support for Israel and has become increasingly involved in political issues, particularly regarding immigration. His recent backing of Donald Trump in the 2024 election and praise for Trump’s character have further solidified his political stance.
Dr. Phil’s involvement in these sensitive and contentious events has raised questions about the role of media personalities in political and social issues. While some view his actions as a means of shedding light on important topics, others criticize his participation as a form of sensationalism. As Dr. Phil continues to navigate the intersection of media, politics, and social justice, his actions and statements are likely to remain under scrutiny.
