MSNBC logo
The Intercept logo
Al Jazeera logo
3 articles
·4M

White House Faces Backlash Over ASMR Video Mocking Deportation

The White House's social media post of shackled immigrants sparks outrage, raising concerns about dehumanization and immigration policies.

Overview

A summary of the key points of this story verified across multiple sources.

A recent White House social media post using an ASMR format to depict shackled immigrants being deported has ignited widespread criticism. The video, showcasing ICE officials placing immigrants in chains at a Seattle airport, has been viewed over 68 million times, drawing scathing responses from various observers who call it dehumanizing and cruel. Critics argue that such displays reflect a disturbing trend in U.S. immigration policies under the Trump administration, emphasizing the normalization of violence against immigrant communities. The post has also drawn attention from influential figures like Elon Musk, further intensifying debates on immigrant rights and deportation practices.

Content generated by AI—learn more or report issue.

Pano Newsletter

Get both sides in 5 minutes with our daily newsletter.

Analysis

Compare how each side frames the story — including which facts they emphasize or leave out.

Analysis unavailable for this viewpoint.

Articles (3)

Compare how different news outlets are covering this story.

Center (0)

No articles found in the Center category

FAQ

Dig deeper on this story with frequently asked questions.

The White House's decision to label the deportation video as 'ASMR' was likely intended to provoke a reaction, but it sparked widespread criticism for its insensitivity and dehumanization of immigrants. ASMR videos are typically designed to be calming, which contrasts sharply with the serious and often distressing nature of deportation scenes.

Elon Musk's reaction, where he reposted the video with a comment saying 'Haha wow,' amplified the controversy by suggesting he found the situation amusing. This response drew significant ire from the public, further fueling the backlash against the White House's post.

The controversy highlights concerns about the dehumanization of immigrants and the normalization of harsh deportation practices under the Trump administration. It reflects a broader debate about immigration policies, emphasizing issues of dignity, human rights, and the treatment of undocumented migrants.

S Jaishankar, India's External Affairs Minister, acknowledged concerns about the use of restraints but emphasized that it is part of the U.S. authorities' standard operating procedure. He suggested focusing on tackling illegal migration networks rather than the method of deportation.

History

See how this story has evolved over time.

  • This story does not have any previous versions.