Ben Bergquam’s Commentary on Immigration, NGOs, and California’s Priorities
Ben Bergquam, founder of Frontline America and host of Law and Border on Real America’s Voice, has been vocal about what he views as a “systemic failure” at the U.S. southern border. Recently, Bergquam filmed a group of young men at a San Diego port of entry who, according to him, didn’t speak English and were on their way to the U.S. interior. He highlighted concerns over unchecked immigration and the resources being allocated to non-citizens while Americans face dire circumstances.
“This is just one location,” Bergquam said, pointing to the influx of migrants being processed. “All day, every day, buses are bringing people in.” He identified the old Ramada Hotel, now operated by Catholic Charities, as a staging ground for immigrant processing. According to Bergquam, organizations like Jewish Family Services and Catholic Charities are profiting from what he calls a “criminal enterprise.”
“They hide illegals behind high fences and banners you can’t see through,” Bergquam remarked while showing footage of the barriers. “Your tax dollars are paying for their hotels, their food, their buses—everything.”
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A Tale of Two Priorities
Bergquam didn’t hold back in contrasting the treatment of illegal immigrants with the plight of struggling Americans, particularly in California. He criticized the state’s leadership, saying, “While Gavin Newsom watches California burn, homeless veterans and citizens are ignored, but illegals are given free rein.” He called the practice of housing immigrants in hotels while ignoring homelessness among Americans “criminal.”
The timing of Bergquam’s statements coincides with reports of U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) raids in California. In Kern County, targeted operations reportedly aimed to combat cartel-related human and narcotics trafficking. However, critics, including California Senate Majority Leader Lena Gonzalez, argue these raids are creating chaos. “These actions ensnare residents merely working to achieve the American dream,” Gonzalez said in a statement.
Bakersfield Mayor Karen Goh, on the other hand, defended the operations, noting that two child rapists were apprehended in the raids. “For cartels engaging in criminal activities, they appropriately have reason to fear apprehension,” Goh stated.
Calls for Defunding NGOs and Mass Deportations
Bergquam’s solution to the border crisis is straightforward: defund the NGOs. “We need to cut off funding to Catholic Charities, the United Nations, and any organization working with cartels,” he argued. He believes these groups are complicit in perpetuating illegal immigration at the expense of American taxpayers.
Bergquam also expressed optimism about the incoming Trump administration, which has pledged to launch mass deportations starting on Day One. “I’ll be at President Trump’s inauguration, and I hope to see these promises kept,” he said. He views Trump’s agenda as the only viable solution to restore order at the border and redirect resources to struggling Americans.
Critics Push Back
Immigrant advocacy groups have condemned the rhetoric and recent enforcement actions. The California Collaborative for Immigrant Justice called the raids “intimidation tactics” with detrimental effects on communities. Meanwhile, the United Farm Workers union reported that members were detained in what they claim are random and racially motivated stops.
A Nation Divided
Bergquam’s commentary highlights a stark divide in America’s immigration debate. On one side, proponents argue for stricter enforcement and prioritization of American citizens. On the other, critics caution against the human cost of aggressive policies. As President Trump prepares to take office, the nation braces for a shift in immigration enforcement that promises to be as polarizing as the debate itself.