Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is facing bipartisan outrage after the Department of Homeland Security’s official X account posted a misleading video featuring young Black men with a threatening caption aimed at Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) critics. The post, which ended with the acronym “FAFO” (“F around and find out”), was soon revealed to have been altered from an unrelated video originally directed at Iran, sparking accusations of fake media use by a federal agency. Calls for accountability are now growing as lawmakers demand answers.
Fake Video Sparks Firestorm
The controversy erupted Friday when the Department of Homeland Security shared a video warning that anyone who “threatens or lays hands on our law enforcement officers” would “find out, really quick.” The post appeared to show young Black men in a menacing context and ended with “FAFO,” a slang threat popular on social media. However, within hours, online users traced the clip’s origin to a completely unrelated TikTok video about Iran, revealing that DHS had shared manipulated content. The discovery set off a political firestorm over government use of misleading imagery.
Lawmakers Demand Accountability
Representative Eric Swalwell (D-CA) was among the first to call out Noem, accusing her of spreading fake content through an official government channel. “Kristi, DELETE THIS TWEET or answer for it in Congress. It’s FAKE,” Swalwell wrote on X, adding, “You’re the Queen of Photoshopping.” He also accused her of “destroying these kids’ lives over a doctored video.” The post went viral, gaining traction across party lines as lawmakers questioned whether DHS intentionally shared manipulated material. Swalwell has since suggested that Noem could face congressional questioning if the post is not removed.
Original Creator Denies Involvement
The creator of the original video was quick to distance himself from the controversy. In a public statement shared by Democratic candidate Danny Glover, he said: “I saw the caption and I was like, ‘I didn’t do that!’ I’ve still got the video saved in my drafts on TikTok.” He expressed disbelief that the federal government had altered and repurposed his content, saying, “Here’s the messed-up part: the federal government is involved with something that I didn’t do.” His response further fueled criticism of DHS for misusing social media content without consent or context.
Public Outrage Grows Online
The DHS post drew immediate backlash from across the political spectrum. “Cringe to see a government department tweet this like an internet points clout-chasing kid,” one user wrote. Another added, “Purposely spreading a fake-captioned video to put a target on the backs of our own citizens… this is an embarrassment to our country and the American people.” Critics accused the agency of endangering innocent individuals by associating them with criminal activity, while others questioned the professionalism of DHS’s online presence under Noem’s leadership.
Pattern of Social Media Missteps
This is not the first time Noem has faced scrutiny over controversial social media tactics. Under her leadership, DHS has gained a reputation for posting provocative and politically charged content, often mixing official law enforcement updates with memes and culture-war messaging. While supporters argue that the approach makes public safety communications more relatable, detractors say it undermines the department’s credibility and blurs the line between governance and propaganda.
Past Controversies Resurface
The scandal has also reignited past criticism of Noem’s use of manipulated images. Earlier this year, she promoted a photo allegedly showing an MS-13 gang member that was later proven fake. At the time, Noem claimed she was unaware the image had been doctored. Her repeated defense of questionable posts has left many lawmakers skeptical of her leadership style and her department’s adherence to factual communication standards.
Calls for Congressional Inquiry
As of Sunday, neither Noem nor DHS had deleted the “FAFO” post or issued a correction, despite mounting calls for transparency. Swalwell has publicly stated that if Noem refuses to address the issue, Congress should intervene. The video, now viewed millions of times, has become a flashpoint in the broader debate over how government agencies should handle social media messaging in the digital age. For now, Noem remains silent, but her next explanation may come under oath.