The Department of Homeland Security ran a secret campaign of fear targeting immigrants, using social media disinformation and coordinated messaging to deter people from seeking asylum in the United States, a Guardian investigation has found.
How the Campaign Worked
Internal documents and interviews with former officials reveal that DHS officials worked with outside contractors to create and amplify false or misleading narratives about the dangers of crossing the border, the likelihood of deportation, and the harsh conditions in detention centers. The campaign, which ran from 2021 to 2023, targeted potential immigrants in Central America and Mexico.
According to former DHS official Maria Rodriguez, "The goal was to create a sense of hopelessness and fear, to make people believe that coming to the US was not worth the risk." The campaign included paid advertisements on Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp, as well as the creation of fake news articles and testimonials from supposed former migrants.
Key Findings
The Guardian obtained more than 1,200 pages of internal emails, contracts, and strategy documents. The documents show that DHS spent at least $15 million on the campaign. One internal memo stated that the campaign was designed to "maximize the perception of risk" and to "exploit the fears and anxieties of the target population."
In one example, DHS created a fake news article claiming that a migrant had died in the desert after being abandoned by a smuggler. The article was shared thousands of times on social media, but the story was entirely fabricated.
Impact on Asylum Seekers
Immigrant advocates say the campaign has had a chilling effect on asylum seekers. "People are terrified," said Carlos Martinez of the Refugee Rights Coalition. "They are choosing not to come, even when they face violence and persecution at home."
Data from US Customs and Border Protection shows a 30% drop in asylum applications from Central America during the period the campaign was most active. However, DHS officials dispute the connection, saying that other factors, such as changes in US policy and the COVID-19 pandemic, were responsible.
Legal and Ethical Concerns
Legal experts say the campaign may have violated federal law prohibiting the use of federal funds for propaganda. "This appears to be a clear case of the government using taxpayer money to deceive the public," said law professor Sarah Jenkins. "It raises serious constitutional questions about free speech and the government's role in shaping public opinion."
DHS declined to comment on the specific allegations, but a spokesperson said the department's efforts were focused on "providing accurate information to migrants about the dangers of illegal immigration."
