The Ben Ferguson Podcast

1. Illegal Immigration and Sanctuary States

• Sanctuary states (Illinois, California, New York) are releasing undocumented immigrants charged with serious crimes instead of honoring ICE detainers.
• Statistics:
  • Illinois released 1,800 illegal aliens charged with crimes (including murder, assault, sex crimes).
  • Over 4,000 active ICE detainers reportedly ignored.
• Specific Cases: Individuals were involved in kidnapping, sexual assault, and fatal DUI crashes.
• Political Criticism: Democratic leaders (Gov. Pritzker, Gov. Newsom, NYC Mayor-elect Mundani) are prioritizing illegal immigrants over public safety.

2. Gas Prices and Affordability

• Key Data Points:
  • Biden-era peak: $5.16 per gallon (June 2022).
  • Current average: $2.90 per gallon (December update).
  • Diesel average: $3.67 per gallon.
• Regional Contrast: Southern and Midwestern states report prices below $2.50, while California remains high at $4.46.

3. Farm Aid and Trade Policy

• Main Argument: Trump proposes a $12 billion aid package for farmers impacted by tariffs and trade wars, funded by tariff revenue rather than taxpayer money.
• Details:
  • Aid targets soybean and sorghum farmers hardest hit by China trade disputes.
  • References past aid: $22 billion (2019) and $46 billion (2020).
• Underlying Issue: Farmers face rising costs, market uncertainty, and risk of consolidation favoring large industrial farms.

• Fraud Allegations

  • Claims Somali-American individuals and organizations misappropriated billions in taxpayer funds, especially COVID-era aid programs like school meal initiatives.
  • References the Feeding Our Future scandal, estimating losses at $300 million and citing lavish spending (luxury cars, Maldives honeymoon, $270k cash box).

• Federal Investigations

  • States the Treasury Department, IRS, and FinCEN are increasing scrutiny on money transfer services and businesses wiring funds abroad, particularly to Somalia.

• Terrorism Links

  • Some funds may have reached Al Shabab, but no defendants have been charged with terrorism-related crimes.

1. Black Lives Matter Embezzlement Case

• Focuses on Reverend Tee Sharia Moore Dickerson, Executive Director of Black Lives Matter Oklahoma City, charged with:
  • Wire fraud and money laundering involving $3.15 million in misappropriated funds.
• Allegations:
  • Diverted bail funds and donations into personal accounts from 2020 to 2025.
  • Spent money on luxury travel (Jamaica, Dominican Republic), retail shopping, food deliveries ($50,000+), a personal vehicle, and six properties.
• Raised over $5.6 million through grants and donations intended for bail assistance and social justice programs.
• Faces up to 20 years per wire fraud count and 10 years per money laundering count, plus fines.
• Commentary criticizes lack of national media coverage and suggests political bias delayed investigation.

2. Welfare Dependency Among Somali Refugees

• Based on Census Bureau ACS data analyzed by the Center for Immigration Studies:
  • 81% of Somali-headed households in Minnesota use one or more welfare programs.
  • Breakdown:
    • 27% on cash welfare
    • 54% on food stamps
    • 73% on Medicaid
• For households with children:
  • 89% on welfare
  • 86% on Medicaid
  • 62% on food stamps
• Comparison: Native-born Minnesotans have far lower rates (e.g., 21% on any welfare).
• Additional issues:
  • 66% of Somali refugees live in or near poverty.
  • 60% report poor English proficiency.
  • 40% lack a high school diploma.
• Commentary frames this as a systemic failure and questions continued refugee programs.

3. Immigration and Housing Crisis

• Includes remarks from HUD Secretary Scott Turner:
  • Claims illegal immigration (12+ million) strains housing supply and affordability.
  • 59% of illegal immigrant families use welfare, costing $42 billion annually.
• HUD report findings:
  • Immigration accounts for 100% of rental growth and over half of owner-occupied housing growth in states like California and New York.
  • Nationwide, foreign-born population drives two-thirds of rental demand growth.
• Commentary argues Biden administration’s policies worsen housing crisis, while Trump-era policies aimed to restore control.

1. Welfare Usage Among Somali Refugees

• Based on Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS) data analyzed by the Center for Immigration Studies (CIS):
  • 81% of Somali-headed households in Minnesota use one or more forms of welfare.
  • Breakdown:
    • 27% on cash welfare
    • 54% on food stamps
    • 73% on Medicaid
• For households with children, the numbers are even higher:
  • 89% on welfare
  • 86% on Medicaid
  • 62% on food stamps
  • 23% on cash welfare
• Comparison: Native-born Minnesotans have much lower rates (e.g., 21% on any welfare, 6% on cash welfare).
• Additional disparities:
  • 66% of Somali refugees live in or near poverty vs. 20% of native-born Minnesotans.
  • Language barrier: ~60% of Somali refugees speak English poorly.
  • Education gap: ~40% lack a high school diploma.

2. Broader Immigration and Housing Impact

• Includes remarks from HUD Secretary Scott Turner linking illegal immigration to housing affordability issues.
• Claims:
  • 12+ million illegal immigrants have strained housing supply.
  • 59% of illegal immigrant families use welfare, costing $42 billion annually.
  • Immigrants account for 100% of rental growth and over half of owner-occupied housing growth in states like California and New York.
• HUD report warns that unchecked immigration could price Americans out of housing markets.