A San Jose-based radio station, KCBS, is facing criticism after broadcasting detailed information about ongoing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in the city. Critics argue that the report, aired by KCBS anchor Brett Burkhart, endangered law enforcement officers and the public by alerting individuals targeted by ICE to their presence.
The report, which aired earlier this week, disclosed the locations of ICE agents conducting deportation operations on the east side of San Jose. Burkhart cited information provided by San Jose City Council member Peter Ortiz and the Santa Clara County Rapid Response Network, a group that describes itself as a “community defense project” focused on protecting immigrant families from deportation.
According to Burkhart, “Mayor Matt Mahan and council member Peter Ortiz confirmed today that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents are currently carrying out an operation on the east side of town.” The broadcast included details about the unmarked vehicles used by ICE agents, including a black Dodge Durango, a gray Nissan Maxima, and a white Nissan truck, as well as their location near a residence on South White and Tully roads.
The release of such information has drawn sharp criticism from public officials and law enforcement advocates. NewsMax anchor Rob Finnerty condemned the report, warning that it “could end up getting American citizens killed,” including the ICE agents whose locations were exposed. “Jeopardizing law enforcement operations in such a manner is a crime,” Finnerty stated.
Critics argue that broadcasting the locations of ICE agents undermines ongoing operations and puts officers’ lives at risk. The Santa Clara County Rapid Response Network, which provided the information to KCBS, has been accused of prioritizing the protection of undocumented immigrants over public safety.
Peter Ortiz, the city council member who confirmed the ICE operation to KCBS, has been an outspoken advocate for undocumented immigrants. In his official city council biography, Ortiz states that he “joined a gang at the age of 12” before turning his life around. However, his decision to share details of the ICE operation has raised questions about whether he is prioritizing the protection of individuals with criminal backgrounds over broader community safety.
The incident has also led to scrutiny over KCBS’s ownership. The station is reportedly owned by billionaire George Soros, who last year became the largest shareholder in Audacy, Inc., the parent company of KCBS and 234 other radio stations. Soros, a prominent donor to progressive causes, has been criticized by some for supporting initiatives that oppose stricter immigration enforcement.
Kari Lake, the incoming director of Voice of America, expressed concern over the broadcast in a post on X.
“A host from @KCBSRadio tipped off criminals about the locations of ICE agents & the make & model of their vehicles,” Lake wrote. “Then, we learned something that made the motive behind the despicable actions obvious. This was one of the many radio stations recently purchased by George Soros.”
The controversy has reignited debates about the role of media outlets in reporting on sensitive law enforcement activities. While journalists have a duty to inform the public, critics argue that disclosing operational details in real-time can compromise officer safety and the success of their missions.
San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan has not yet commented on the incident, but the broadcast has drawn widespread condemnation from public safety advocates. As scrutiny of KCBS and its ownership continues, the incident is expected to fuel further discussions on the balance between transparency and security in media reporting.
