Former ESPN radio host Dan Le Batard has been a long-time critic of President Donald Trump’s immigration policies, particularly the deployment of the National Guard to Los Angeles following recent protests. During a live show on Wednesday, Le Batard accused Trump of pursuing a vision of the United States as a ‘whiter nation,’ targeting communities of color. He argued that the administration’s approach is not solely focused on removing illegal immigrants but rather on systematically marginalizing Brown and Black populations by labeling them as criminals.
Le Batard expressed concern over the militarization of law enforcement and warned of the dangers of using the National, Guard to quell civil unrest, drawing parallels to situations in other nations where such actions have been met with grave concern. He emphasized the potential threat to American democracy and the normalization of racial profiling under the guise of public safety. The former host also questioned the legitimacy of designating certain groups as illegal based on their race or ethnicity, suggesting that such policies undermine constitutional principles and the rule of law.
Jeremy Tache, who co-hosted the show, echoed Le Batard’s concerns, stating that the use of the military against citizens is one of the most horrifying scenarios that could unfold in any country. The conversation came at a time when Los Angeles law enforcement has faced widespread allegations of over-policing and excessive force, leading to heightened tensions between the community and authorities. Le Batard’s comments reflect a broader debate over the role of the National Guard in domestic affairs and the potential for such actions to erode civil liberties and democratic norms.