The White House on Tuesday shared a video on its X account that showed illegal immigrants being put in cuffs and shackles while preparing them to board a deportation flight. The White House labelled the footage as an autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) video, which was later reposted by Elon Musk. 

Musk, currently heading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) shared the video on his account with the caption – “HaHa wow”.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from Seattle shared on their social media page calling it a “removal flight” announcing that “a group of undocumented aliens are flown from Seattle as part of a process to finalize return to their home countries.” . The post overtly calls the deportees “illegal aliens” which violates several human rights. Even if the shackles are considered normal protocol in the US, calling humans aliens has raised multiple speculations.

This post has received fifteen thousand reposts six thousand comments. While most people are condemning this announcement calling it “crass entertainment” “disgusting” and calling out viewers who enjoy this, there is also a huge list of supporters of this move under this post. Many users have drawn parallels to the inhumane practice of this public display to oppressive regimes in the past governed by sadistic fascism.

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The deportation has caused an international stir ever since US President Trump has taken office in his second term. Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem has sent a “chilling warning to illegal aliens” in a post from The White House which says ‘We Will Hunt You Down – you will be caught, you will be removed, and you will never return’ with an opportunity for those who follow the law.

The criminalisation of illegal immigration has taken a rather offensive tone as The White House shared this campaign on X. As they claim that stronger borders will make a stronger America, many users are supporting this decision large numbers.

While this has become an international crisis, the White House’s social media campaign on deportation has sparked widespread debate, drawing both condemnation and support. While some see it as a necessary enforcement of immigration laws, others criticize the presentation as dehumanizing and reminiscent of oppressive tactics. The stark language and visuals have amplified tensions, highlighting the ongoing divide over immigration policy in the U.S. As the administration continues its approach, the broader implications of such messaging on public perception and international relations remain to be seen.