The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has embraced the holiday season with a series of social media memes aimed at raising awareness and support for its immigration enforcement policies. The agency’s creative approach includes humorous takes on Christmas and other festive themes, blending satire with official messaging.
One notable post featured federal law enforcement agents depicted in festive attire, captioned “You’re going to ho ho home,” alongside images of masked officers adorned with Santa hats and holiday lights. This was followed by a retweet including a GIF of President Donald Trump guiding Santa’s sleigh full of gifts—symbolizing the agency’s efforts.
Another post humorously titled “Check out Santa’s naughty list” showed an image of a person wearing a Santa hat staring at a computer screen while mug shots scrolled in the background, highlighting those they label as the “worst of the worst” for crossing borders illegally. The department maintains that these individuals are responsible for breaking laws.
DHS officials confirmed their commitment to enforcement through these campaigns, stating, “DHS will continue using every tool available to keep America informed and safe from illegal activities.”
This effort aligns with previous instances where DHS has used social media creatively. In June, an Instagram video referenced a drug cartel party in Charleston, South Carolina—complete with memes involving ICE officers arriving unannounced. The caption read: “We’re bringing ICE to the party. At a club run by the cartel, @icegov made 72 arrests and seized narcotics along with firearms.”
Similarly, during Valentine’s Day, the White House aligned with this trend by posting an image showing Trump and Tom Homan floating on hearts alongside the text: “Roses are red, violets are blue, come here illegally, we’ll deport you.” This visual humor reinforced a hardline stance against unauthorized immigration.
While these tactics capture public attention during festive seasons, they have drawn criticism from some observers who argue that serious policy matters should be addressed through factual reporting and respectful dialogue. However, others point to the effectiveness of using relatable content to engage citizens on critical issues related to border security.
