A new investigative podcast titled The Raid is shining a light on the controversial deportation efforts undertaken during the Trump Administration. Produced by six-time Emmy Award-winning journalist John Carlos Frey, the podcast aims to reveal the complex motivations and implications behind the government’s immigration raids.
Launched on December 5, 2025, The Raid offers listeners a comprehensive exploration of how political agendas and unchecked power have transformed the lives of many immigrants into instruments of political leverage. The podcast features exclusive interviews, leaked documents, and firsthand accounts, all designed to expose what Frey describes as a systemic issue that threatens the foundation of American democracy.
As the U.S. government prepares to allocate over $170 billion to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol under the “Big Beautiful Bill” starting in January 2026, Frey encourages listeners to engage critically with these developments. He states, “This podcast isn’t just about one raid—it’s about what the raids represent. It’s characteristic of an authoritarian takeover where immigrants are treated as threats to the government instead of lives worth protecting.”
Highlighting Human Stories Behind Policy
Frey, renowned for his investigative work along the U.S.-Mexico border, reframes immigration as a reflection of American values and constitutional rights rather than merely a border issue. Each episode of The Raid provides a unique perspective on the human cost of policies often enacted out of public view. Listeners hear from frontline advocates, experts, and individuals directly impacted by these actions.
Notable guests featured in the podcast include Jenn Budd, a former Border Patrol agent turned whistleblower; Alvaro Huerta, an attorney at the Immigrant Defenders Law Center (ImmDef); and Pedro Trujillo, a director at the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA). Additionally, the series highlights stories from individuals like George Retes, a U.S. citizen and Iraqi War veteran who was wrongfully detained by ICE.
The podcast is characterized by its commitment to independent journalism, especially at a time when mainstream media faces increasing budget constraints and censorship pressures. The Raid moves beyond sensationalized social media portrayals of ICE and Border Patrol operations, offering detailed narratives that underscore the importance of accountability in journalism.
Commitment to Accountability
Frey’s dedication to revealing the truth about the U.S. immigration system has garnered attention over his career, with his work featured on major networks such as 60 Minutes, PBS, CBS, NBC, ABC, CNN, and HBO. The podcast draws on original reporting, archival materials, and personal narratives to illustrate how the immigration system has evolved into one of the most powerful—and often corrupt—arms of the government.
Listeners can access The Raid on platforms such as Apple Podcasts and Spotify. For more details, including episode listings and guest information, visit the official website at theraidpodcast.org.
As the conversation around immigration continues to evolve, The Raid aims to challenge assumptions and encourage critical thinking about the implications of government policies on human lives. Frey’s work serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding the broader context behind immigration issues and the values they reflect in society.
