URGENT UPDATE: Leaked internal communications have exposed shocking directives from President Donald Trump’s team, demanding ICE officials to “flood the airwaves” with propaganda videos depicting migrants in dramatic situations, regardless of their accuracy. The investigation, published by The Washington Post earlier today, reveals a disturbing transformation within ICE’s communications unit into a “propaganda shop” during Trump’s second term.
Documents show that the agency’s messaging strategy prioritized sensationalism over factual reporting. In one incident in Los Angeles, ICE’s social media activity surged dramatically, with posts increasing from just three to 38 in 11 hours, showcasing arrest footage and mug shots of individuals labeled as “illegal aliens.”
The urgency of this revelation underscores a troubling trend where political appointees pressured staff to sensationalize immigration enforcement, with some officials expressing discomfort over the new approach. Messages obtained by the Post indicate that ICE staff were told to brand arrestees as the “Worst of the Worst” without verifying their criminal backgrounds, seeking instead for “newsworthy” elements like dubious immigration histories.
At the White House’s behest, ICE’s assistant director for public affairs, Emily Covington, requested edits to a deportation video from Texas to avoid including “tons of females.” This request highlights the lengths to which officials went to satisfy political narratives, with one staffer admitting footage was discarded if it did not align with desired messaging.
The implications of these practices are serious. At least five government videos have been removed from social platforms after complaints from rights holders of various artists, including Jay-Z and comedian Theo Von. Despite warnings from employees regarding potential copyright violations, officials reportedly brushed aside concerns, including advisories from White House lawyers.
In response to the mounting pressure to produce content, ICE communications staff were often sent into volatile situations without proper equipment. One public-affairs officer was injured while covering a scene in California, and ICE has since indicated that they now provide protective gear for their staff.
This internal push for aggressive messaging also extended to social media interactions. ICE’s X account shared videos that some staff found inappropriate, such as a bound protester in Portland featured with a mocking soundtrack. DHS’s main account made inflammatory remarks about demonstrators, raising concerns among federal prosecutors over potential biases affecting jury pools.
ICE spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin defended the agency’s autonomy, claiming that lawyers had pre-approved content that leaned on copyrighted materials. However, the unsettling tone of ICE’s communications has raised alarms within the agency itself, with officials worried about the potential long-term impacts on public perception and legal proceedings.
As these revelations unfold, the emotional toll on both ICE staff and the communities they serve is evident. The aggressive tactics have sparked a debate about the ethics of immigration enforcement, with some officials reveling in the hard-nosed approach while others voiced concerns over its implications.
The latest revelations shed light on the unprecedented measures taken by the Trump administration to control the narrative surrounding immigration enforcement. As public scrutiny intensifies, it remains to be seen how these practices will be addressed moving forward.
Social media users are already reacting strongly, sharing their thoughts on the leaked messages and their implications. The urgency of this situation continues to resonate, prompting discussions about transparency and accountability in government communications.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
