Additional Coverage:
DHS Social Media Strategy Sparks Controversy
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is facing criticism for a graphic posted on its official X account depicting Uncle Sam urging the public to “REPORT ALL FOREIGN INVADERS” along with the ICE hotline number. The post, also shared on Instagram by DHS and the White House, has drawn comparisons to authoritarian propaganda.
While DHS claims it did not create the image, at least two far-right X accounts have suggested involvement in its creation or dissemination. One account belongs to podcaster C.
Jay Engel, a self-described “Christian nationalist adjacent” commentator. Another pseudonymous account with nativist rhetoric also claimed authorship.
The incident comes amid rising immigration protests across the nation and a deportation crackdown under President Trump. The post reflects a recent shift in DHS’s social media strategy, which has become increasingly combative, often mocking perceived opponents and promoting ICE activities. The agency also recently considered a reality TV show where immigrants would compete for US citizenship, although Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem later denied knowledge of the project.
Experts like Elisabeth Fondren, a journalism professor specializing in government propaganda, find the DHS graphic alarming. Fondren notes its resemblance to historical fear-mongering campaigns, particularly those targeting immigrants. She finds it especially troubling given the current non-wartime context.
DHS defended the post, claiming the language aligns with terminology used by other administration officials, citing White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller’s frequent use of terms like “invade” and “invaders” when referring to undocumented immigrants. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin dismissed the criticism as “fundamentally unserious” and accused journalists of being “completely juvenile,” urging them to focus on the “very real victims of illegal alien crime.”
Despite higher approval ratings for Trump’s immigration policies compared to other issues, a CNN poll reveals that 52% of Americans believe he has gone too far in deporting undocumented immigrants.
DHS’s provocative online presence has significantly boosted its audience engagement, second only to the White House among US government accounts. The agency frequently shares videos purporting to show violence at immigration protests, particularly in Los Angeles, and often posts memes and content from external sources.
DHS has also published personal information and alleged charges of arrested individuals, seemingly to justify ICE operations. One recent post simply stated: “Liberals don’t know things.”
This aggressive approach raises concerns about the spread of misinformation and the amplification of extremist viewpoints.