Summary
During a federal government shutdown, the Trump administration spent nearly $10 million on ads encouraging immigrants to leave the U.S. and recruiting for ICE. This spending occurred while other government services, like the SNAP food assistance program, faced potential funding shortages due to the shutdown. The ad campaigns have sparked division among Americans, with mixed reactions to their presence on platforms like social media and Spotify.
Key Facts
- The Trump administration spent almost $10 million on ICE-related ads during the government shutdown.
- Ads encouraged immigrants to self-deport and recruited Americans to join ICE.
- The government shutdown affected around 900,000 workers through furloughs and around 2 million without pay.
- During the first three weeks of the shutdown, ICE spent $4.5 million while DHS spent over $5.3 million on ads.
- SNAP, which helps provide food for low-income individuals, faced potential funding issues during the shutdown.
- Ads continued to run on platforms like social media and TV because they might be essential or use pre-allocated funds.
- The campaigns led to disagreements among the public, with reactions ranging from boycotts to support.
- The Department of Homeland Security used memes in their ads to tell illegal immigrants to leave the U.S.
