The Department of Homeland Security is on the hunt for new ICE agents, in a hurry to spend all those billions and to accelerate Trump’s “alien invasion” mass deportation. They’ve been pushing ads on social media, and I wanted to pass a long a few that I’ve seen on X.
As you can imagine, there’s a real mix of messages here. Jingoism, bellicosity, threatening imagery, vengeance, Trump’s “alien invasion” narrative… you name it, there’s something for everyone. This administration does love its symbols.
Here’s one with the tagline “Think about how many criminal illegal aliens you could fit in this bad boy!” And then: “Want to deport illegals with your absolute boys?”
According to the Urban Dictionary, here’s what “absolute boys” means in today’s vernacular:
The term “absolute boy” is often used as a slang expression to describe someone who is admired for their savagery or celebrated for their aggressive actions, dirtbag personality, or general degenerate vibe. It typically conveys a sense of endearment and respect.
That tracks. And I’m sure there are young Proud Boys out there who will appreciate the message.
Next up isn’t an ad to join ICE, but I wanted to reinforce the message that you have to look closely if you want to catch every allusion. Note that in this post, the AI-generated Indy car sports the #5. That’s the number used by Indycar driver Pato O’Ward, the only Mexican driver in the IndyCar circuit. That’s no coincidence, of course. I was born and raised in Indiana, and so I’m happy to note that Penske Entertainment, owner of the Indianapolis Speedway, does not approve this message.
Next up in the ICE ads, we have this heartwarming tribute to fathers and sons. This comes on the heels of Homeland Security changing its age limits for ICE agents. Now, those as young as 18 can join up, and agents can now be over 40.
Whoever runs the Trump administration’s social media program likes to keep up with current affairs.
That’s an obvious play on South Park’s Trump evisceration:
Next, DHS continues to falsely claim that the mass deportations are aimed at the likes of criminals and predators, when of course, it’s all about removing as many non-whites as possible. Trump made that clear (whether he knew it or not) when he parroted the far-right anti-immigrant “remigration” reference on several occasions. If Trump doesn’t know what the word means, rest assured that it’s Stephen Miller and his ilk — the word is a favorite among white supremacists, along with “Great Replacement” as the narrative describing their conspiracy theory that nonwhite immigration is a deliberate plan to destroy Western culture.
Speaking of white supremacy, what do you think “Defend your culture” means? Of course, this isn’t about criminals and it’s not even about those people who are in the country without the proper paperwork. It’s about America’s “culture,” which all those non-white people are destroying.
And no, you don’t need a college degree to defend it — in fact, it’s better if you don’t have one. If you’re educated, you might see through it.
Presented without commentary.
Your neighbor, your family, and your Homeland are at risk. Answer the call to service to defend them! And, make some quick cash while you’re at it.
Speaking of cash… Pay off your student loans, and if you can stay brutal long enough, you’ll enjoy enhanced retirement benefits.
You’re needed, so throw off your coat and roll up your sleeves.
This one doubles down on the lie that Trump’s mass deportation is aimed at “the worst of the worst,” as Kristi Noem loves to say. Pedophiles, murderers, scammers, cartel members, drug dealers, and thieves — when the vast majority of those being rounded up without due process, detained in deplorable conditions, and then sent to whatever random third-world country will take them. And not the non-white undocumented immigrants who are the real targets, and who are often nabbed at court while literally going through the legal process.
Finally, we have this one, which comes complete with a patriotic video. Of course, the chosen song, “This Land,” was originally written as a socialist protest:
(Woody) Guthrie — a lifelong socialist, anti-capitalist and communist sympathizer — penned “This Land Is Your Land” in 1940, irritated by what he felt was the blind patriotism of Kate Smith’s late ‘30s hit recording of “God Bless America.” He was also motivated by the stark poverty and social injustices that he witnessed during his travels throughout the country, as evidenced by the original lyrics that include two verses critiquing widespread hunger and the concept of private property.
Here’s the video. Doesn’t that make you warm and fuzzy?