‘Santa’ Trump sends immigrants home in Christmas deportation memes
The holiday-themed content makes light of Washington’s controversial targeting of foreign US residents
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is circulating Christmas-themed memes to promote its mass-deportation strategy, blending holiday imagery with messaging about immigration law enforcement.
The DHS and other government agencies have turned to the tactic ahead of the holiday season to bolster public support for crackdowns on illegal immigration and on non-citizens considered to be security threats.
One meme posted last week showed security personnel wearing Santa hats and stringing lights on their gear, and featured the message: “YOU’RE-GOING HO HO HOME.” Another depicted President Donald Trump piloting Santa’s sleigh.
pic.twitter.com/MEKT2pGGLo— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) December 5, 2025
A third featured the internet character “Gigachad” in Christmas attire, preparing to review the DHS “naughty list” – a reference to individuals flagged by the department for criminal histories or immigration violations.
Check out Santa’s naughty list. https://t.co/2YzVImXAXw pic.twitter.com/rS3ln47Zah— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) December 8, 2025
ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement), the principal investigative arm of the DHS and one of the largest investigative agencies in the US federal government, has played a key role in the wave of deportations that has taken place since Trump returned to office.
Mass deportation was one of Trump’s signature campaign promises, but the government’s handling of the initiative has drawn criticism from multiple sides.
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Opponents argue that the strategy is cruel, unlawful, and often targets people who pose no real threat, while some Christian organizations claim the policy contradicts Christ’s teachings about compassion.
Meanwhile, many supporters of stricter immigration enforcement have accused the administration of favoring flashy publicity stunts, such as highlighting brutal law enforcement raids on immigrant communities, to substantive action and effectiveness.
