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U.S. Border Patrol has come under intense scrutiny after posting a video containing antisemitic lyrics that went viral on social media platforms this week. The 13-second video, which featured Michael Jackson’s controversial 1996 song “They Don’t Care About Us” with the lyrics “Jew me” and “kike me,” was removed from Facebook and Instagram on Wednesday morning after accumulating over 3.4 million views.
The video first appeared on Instagram in August but gained widespread attention Tuesday when far-right users on X (formerly Twitter) discovered it pinned to the official Border Patrol page’s Reels section. The timing of the removal remains unclear, with questions about whether Border Patrol officials or Meta administrators initiated its deletion.
The short clip shows Border Patrol agents walking with firearms, a truck hauling dune buggies, and desert patrol footage. The brevity of the video and prominent placement of the controversial lyrics suggest intentional highlighting of the antisemitic language, according to observers.
Jackson’s original song faced significant criticism when released for containing antisemitic language, though the singer later apologized and released an edited version. The artist, who died in 2009, had insisted he didn’t intend the lyrics to be offensive.
Comments on the Border Patrol post included phrases like “based song choice” – which was liked by the Border Patrol account – and “if you know, you know,” suggesting awareness of the content’s controversial nature. On X, far-right users celebrated the video with even more explicit antisemitic references, including Holocaust allusions.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which oversees Border Patrol, did not respond to media inquiries about the video on Wednesday morning.
This incident isn’t isolated within federal immigration enforcement agencies under the current administration. DHS has recently posted other controversial content, including a tweet containing only the word “Remigrate” – a term associated with far-right European movements advocating for ethnic cleansing through deportation of non-white individuals. The department also shared imagery with “Save America” displayed in typeface reminiscent of Nazi-era propaganda.
The trend reflects broader concerns about increasing normalization of extremist rhetoric in official government communications. Critics argue that while some content might be dismissed as “trolling,” government agencies with significant enforcement powers should maintain professional standards in public communications.
Meanwhile, immigration enforcement operations have intensified, with reports of ICE targeting individuals based on ethnicity, sometimes including American citizens. In April, DHS announced plans to screen social media for “antisemitism” among foreign nationals in the country, though critics contend this was primarily aimed at identifying opposition to military operations in Gaza.
The controversy emerges against the backdrop of planned nationwide “No Kings” protests scheduled for Saturday, which aim to oppose what organizers describe as authoritarian governance. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent characterized these upcoming demonstrations as representing “the farthest left, the hardest core, the most unhinged” elements of opposition, claiming they were partially responsible for government shutdown delays.
Organizers of the No Kings rallies maintain their demonstrations will draw diverse participants opposed to political extremism, with a website directing people to their nearest protest locations.
This incident highlights growing concerns about the normalization of extremist rhetoric in official government communications and raises questions about oversight and accountability within federal law enforcement agencies.
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10 Comments
Regardless of intent, the Border Patrol’s decision to include such offensive language is extremely troubling. They must be held accountable and take immediate steps to address this issue and prevent future occurrences.
Well said. Robust training, policy reforms, and disciplinary action may be necessary to ensure this agency upholds the principles of equality and respect for all.
As a Jewish American, I find this video extremely disturbing and hurtful. The Border Patrol needs to issue a sincere apology and demonstrate real accountability for this egregious lapse in judgement.
I agree, an apology is the bare minimum here. They need to take concrete actions to address antisemitism within their organization and ensure this never happens again.
I’m curious to understand the context and decision-making behind including such offensive lyrics in an official Border Patrol video. This seems like a major lapse in judgment that requires a full investigation.
Absolutely. The public deserves a clear explanation of how this was approved and what steps will be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.
This incident raises major concerns about the culture and values within the U.S. Border Patrol. Using hateful, discriminatory lyrics in an official video is unacceptable and demands a full investigation.
Deeply troubling to see a government agency amplify hateful, antisemitic language. This goes against the values of equality and inclusion that public institutions should uphold. I hope there are serious consequences for those responsible.
This is a highly concerning video from the U.S. Border Patrol. Using antisemitic language in an official capacity is completely unacceptable and must be addressed swiftly and transparently.
I agree, this type of content should have no place in any government agency. They need to take responsibility and ensure this does not happen again.