The US Government has confirmed it will keep using popular film and video game memes to promote ICE, despite backlash.
Earlier this week The Department Of Homeland Security (DHS) shared an advert for ICE, the US government agency responsible for the widespread detention and deportation of immigrants, that featured Halo’s Master Chief shortly after it was confirmed the franchise would be heading to PlayStation for the very first time.
The advert featured the line “destroy the flood” with Halo fans and developers outraged at the “fascist” terminology. “Using Halo imagery in a call to ‘destroy’ people because of their immigration status goes way too far, and ought to offend every Halo fan, regardless of political orientation,” said developer Jaime Griesemer (via IGN).
ICE followed it up with a Lord Of The Rings-inspired advert and, according to a DHS spokesperson, they aren’t going to stop using your favourite games and movies in their campaign.
tolkien would be rolling in his fucking grave, he would not support this level of authoritarianism, i believe that without hesitation. also i hope someone fucking sues for using these films to try to recruit. disgusting https://t.co/WKmeAhGja0
— kylie 💍 (@sunderedseas) October 29, 2025
“We will reach people where they are with content they can relate to and understand, whether that be Halo, Pokémon, Lord Of The Rings, or any other medium,” a DHS spokesperson said in a statement provided (via PC Gamer). “DHS remains laser focused on bringing awareness to the flood of crime that criminal illegal aliens have inflicted on our country. We aren’t slowing down.”
Earlier this year, a Pokemon-inspired advert was used to promote ICE with the tagline “gotta catch ‘em all”. Nintendo confirmed that the US government did not have permission to use the material but didn’t force them to take it down. Similarly Microsoft have refused to comment on the use of Halo, though they are one of the corporate donors supporting the construction of Donald Trump’s ballroom that will replace the now-demolished White House East Wing.
In recent weeks, ICE has had adverts featuring MGMT’s ‘Little Dark Age’ and The Cure’s ‘Friday I’m In Love’ taken down at the artist’s request. Olivia Rodrigo, Addison Rae, Shakira, Chappell Roan and Bad Bunny are just some of the musicians who have criticised the government agency.
In other news, it’s been reported that “lonely, bored” Prince Andrew allegedly now spends his days playing Call Of Duty after giving up his royal titles earlier this month.
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