Liberals are losing their minds.
The White House has stirred controversy after releasing a video on social media with the caption “ASMR: Illegal Alien Deportation Flight,” showing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents chaining undocumented immigrants before they are put on a deportation flight. The video, shared on Tuesday, has received a variety of responses from social media users, lawmakers, and immigration advocates. Many expressed support for enforcing immigration laws and removing illegal aliens but were critical of the video’s tone and the way it portrayed the deportation process.
The White House’s approach to posting such content has drawn criticism for dehumanizing migrants. Critics argue that using an ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response) theme, which is typically associated with soothing sounds, for a video showcasing the harsh reality of deportation crosses the line. Amy Fischer, director of the Refugee and Migrant Rights Program at Amnesty International USA, pointed out that the use of chains and restraints on migrants is not only inhumane but also causes additional psychological trauma.
Immigration enforcement has been a central issue in President Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign. While a majority of Americans support policies that crack down on illegal immigration, there is division over how these policies should be carried out. Some supporters of the Trump administration’s hardline stance on illegal immigration have defended the video, viewing it as evidence of the president’s commitment to fulfilling campaign promises.
The video in question, originally shared by ICE Seattle on X (formerly Twitter), shows undocumented immigrants being processed for deportation and boarding a plane. The sound of chains hitting the ground was deliberately amplified in the video. The White House’s social media team drew a parallel between the video and ASMR content, which often features gentle sounds designed to evoke a sense of calm. This framing, however, made many uncomfortable, even among those who otherwise support the Trump administration’s immigration policies.
Although the video’s tone has been widely criticized, it’s important to remember that deportations, particularly those involving criminals or individuals who have overstayed their visas, have long been part of U.S. immigration enforcement. The Trump administration has documented and publicized its deportation efforts in a way not seen under the Biden administration. ICE arrests have increased significantly under Trump, with over 11,000 interior arrests made from January 20 to February 8, compared to just under 5,000 in the same period the previous year.
While some argue that the increased focus on deportations shows the Trump administration is living up to its promises, the controversy surrounding this video underscores a deeper divide in how Americans view the treatment of migrants. Deportations and immigration enforcement will continue to be a major issue in the 2024 election, with Trump promising to carry out the “largest deportation program in U.S. history.” Despite the criticism, it’s clear that the administration remains committed to its tough stance on illegal immigration.
WATCH:
ASMR: Illegal Alien Deportation Flight 🔊 pic.twitter.com/O6L1iYt9b4
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) February 18, 2025