The official Instagram page of the White House has posted a controversial video about deportations, and they’ve been met with a lot of backlash.
Since returning to office on January 20, President Donald Trump has wasted no time ramping up his immigration policies.
His administration has issued over 21 executive actions targeting illegal immigration, including tougher enforcement, expanded ICE powers, and stricter border security measures.
Trump’s administration has framed these policies as necessary for national security, but critics argue they are draconian and harmful to vulnerable populations.
It would appear that the White House remain unmoved by any criticism, and have doubled down on their position with a bizarre video.
The video, shared on the White House’s official Instagram account on Tuesday, features an ASMR-style depiction of deportations.
The footage shows individuals being handcuffed and escorted onto an airplane, with audio emphasizing the roar of jet engines, the jingle of handcuffs, and the sound of footsteps boarding the aircraft.
The post has been widely condemned on social media, with many users questioning its intent and tone.
One person wrote: “Using ASMR to frame something so inherently traumatic like it’s entertainment rather than the life-altering, often heartbreaking event that it is… It strips away the humanity of those being deported, reducing their suffering to a spectacle.”
A second added: “This is completely disgusting and dehumanizing. Who raised you! I’m horrified.”
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A third person said: “As a Christian, this is absolutely disgusting.”
While a fourth penned: “This is beyond disgusting. I don’t care what party you support, if you support this video, your heart is deeply troubled.”
This is not the first time the White House’s social media activity has come under scrutiny in recent weeks.
On February 14, the official White House Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) accounts posted a poem that read: “Roses are red, violets are blue, come here illegally and we will deport you.”
Set against a pink background, the post featured images of President Donald Trump and his border czar, Tom Homan.
However, rather than spreading romance, the message quickly ignited backlash.
Many social media users condemned the post, calling it inappropriate and offensive.
“Whoever runs this page needs to be fired,” one Instagram commenter wrote, reflecting widespread disapproval.
On X, another user criticized the post’s tone, stating: “Immigration is more than a meme. Real people, real lives, real struggles. Maybe it’s time for a more serious and humane discussion…!?
“History—and future generations—will judge societies by how they treat the most vulnerable. Let’s ensure compassion is part of the equation, not just policy.”
In January, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt shared images of deportation flights conducted using military cargo planes, according to the Daily Mail.
While the administration has defended its policies as necessary for national security, critics argue they are harsh and harmful to vulnerable populations.
