US Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) recruitment ads have taken over popular streaming services, leaving users concerned about their content.
The ads, which promote deportation officers to round up undocumented immigrants, have been appearing on platforms such as Pandora, Spotify, Hulu, YouTube, and Meta's Facebook and Instagram. The ads are accompanied by a dystopian voice that claims, "You took an oath to protect and serve, to keep your family, your city, safe," only to reveal that in "sanctuary cities," officers are ordered to stand down while dangerous immigrants walk free.
The increase in ads comes as the Trump administration has invested $30 billion to hire 10,000 more deportation officers by the end of this year. The government agency claims that the recruitment campaign is a success, with over 150,000 applications received from patriotic Americans answering the call to defend the Homeland.
However, many users are expressing frustration and outrage about the ads, citing concerns over the targeting of music preference to immigration status. Some have reported ending their subscriptions or using VPNs to stream without receiving the ads.
The increased spending on advertising has been revealed in new data, showing that DHS spent $2.8 million on English and Spanish-language ads on Meta's Facebook and Instagram since March 1, with an additional half a million spent on ICE recruitment ads on the platform since August. The government agency also spent nearly $3 million on specifically Spanish-language advertising aimed at promoting self-deportation on Google and YouTube.
Critics argue that the targeting of users based on their music preference is discriminatory and invasive, while others question the effectiveness of the recruitment campaign. When reached for comment, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin defended the ads, stating that there was "nothing offensive or partisan" with removing criminals from the United States.
The increased spending has raised concerns over the government's use of advertising to promote its policies, particularly in the wake of a government shutdown where employees are being furloughed. The DHS recruitment campaign is seen as part of this broader effort to enforce immigration policies through targeted advertising.
In response to public backlash, some platforms have not commented on the ads or their policies regarding advertising. However, others have confirmed that they will continue to allow the ads to run, citing their policy of not violating any advertising guidelines.
The DHS recruitment campaign has sparked a national conversation about immigration, targeting, and the role of advertising in promoting government policies. As users continue to express concerns over the ads, it remains to be seen how these efforts will impact public opinion on immigration enforcement.
The ads, which promote deportation officers to round up undocumented immigrants, have been appearing on platforms such as Pandora, Spotify, Hulu, YouTube, and Meta's Facebook and Instagram. The ads are accompanied by a dystopian voice that claims, "You took an oath to protect and serve, to keep your family, your city, safe," only to reveal that in "sanctuary cities," officers are ordered to stand down while dangerous immigrants walk free.
The increase in ads comes as the Trump administration has invested $30 billion to hire 10,000 more deportation officers by the end of this year. The government agency claims that the recruitment campaign is a success, with over 150,000 applications received from patriotic Americans answering the call to defend the Homeland.
However, many users are expressing frustration and outrage about the ads, citing concerns over the targeting of music preference to immigration status. Some have reported ending their subscriptions or using VPNs to stream without receiving the ads.
The increased spending on advertising has been revealed in new data, showing that DHS spent $2.8 million on English and Spanish-language ads on Meta's Facebook and Instagram since March 1, with an additional half a million spent on ICE recruitment ads on the platform since August. The government agency also spent nearly $3 million on specifically Spanish-language advertising aimed at promoting self-deportation on Google and YouTube.
Critics argue that the targeting of users based on their music preference is discriminatory and invasive, while others question the effectiveness of the recruitment campaign. When reached for comment, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin defended the ads, stating that there was "nothing offensive or partisan" with removing criminals from the United States.
The increased spending has raised concerns over the government's use of advertising to promote its policies, particularly in the wake of a government shutdown where employees are being furloughed. The DHS recruitment campaign is seen as part of this broader effort to enforce immigration policies through targeted advertising.
In response to public backlash, some platforms have not commented on the ads or their policies regarding advertising. However, others have confirmed that they will continue to allow the ads to run, citing their policy of not violating any advertising guidelines.
The DHS recruitment campaign has sparked a national conversation about immigration, targeting, and the role of advertising in promoting government policies. As users continue to express concerns over the ads, it remains to be seen how these efforts will impact public opinion on immigration enforcement.
. I get that they're trying to fill spots, but using streaming services to target people based on their music taste? That's just a bit too much for me 
. It feels like they're judging us as individuals instead of just focusing on the issue at hand - immigration reform 
.
. We need to have these conversations about how our personal data is being used for ads, especially when it comes to sensitive topics like immigration.
. Are they really going to find 10,000 new deportation officers with just $30 billion? And what's the real cost of these ads beyond just the dollars spent on them? It feels like we're being manipulated by some fancy algorithms 
.
. One thing for sure, though: I'll be using VPNs from now on to avoid those creepy ads 
!
. the gov's all about flexing its muscles now, but at what cost? seems like a waste of cash if you ask me 
. i mean, 30 billion bucks for deportation officers is no joke... and now they're hitting ppl up on facebook, instagram, youtube... whats next? 
! Can't believe our government's using streaming services to target people based on their music taste and immigration status 
. It's like they're trying to control everything, even what we listen to in the comfort of our own homes 
. And let's not forget, this is a total invasion of personal space 
. I mean, who needs that kind of stress when you just want to enjoy your favorite songs? 
. It's all about fear-mongering and creating division among the American people 
. Not cool, dude 
.
Not gonna work, guys 
. We need to be more careful about how our government uses advertising and starts questioning their motives 
These recruitment ads are super annoying and creepy. Like, I don't want my Spotify playlists hijacked by DHS propaganda. And what's next? Targeting me for a tax audit because of my listening history? 
It's like they're trying to turn our favorite streaming services into surveillance tools.
not a reflection of someone's immigration status 
can't believe they're targeting Pandora and Spotify 
or like, how about we focus on policy changes instead of creepy ads 
. And now we're being forced to choose between our love of music and our values 
I mean, what's next? Targeting you with ads for dental insurance based on your Netflix binge-watching habits 
. And who gets to decide which music is 'patriotic' anyway? 
. And can you believe they spent 3 mil on Spanish-language ads alone? 
I mean, I get it, enforcing immigration laws is important, but come on, be subtle about it 
i mean i get it, the gov is trying to recruit more staff but come on, can't we have some privacy while we scroll thru our fave shows? 
or political leanings? 
and i dont think its cool that ppl are being forced into subscribing to certain services just because of their music tastes