Theo Von Demands DHS Remove Clip Featuring Him from Deportation Videos

Theo Von Demands Dept. of Homeland Security Remove Clip That Features Him: 'Keep Me Out of Your "Banger" Deportation Videos' Comedian and podcast host Theo Von has objected to a video posted by the Trump administration's Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that uses a snippet of him saying, "Heard you got deported, dude bye," to promote the agency's deportation numbers. On Tuesday, DHS shared a 31-second video clip on X with the caption "Bye." The video begins with Von's comment, then displays the claim that 2 million illegal immigrants have been deported in the first 250 days of President Trump's second term. It also shows Trump saying, "They simply stopped coming. They're not coming anymore," before concluding with on-screen text that says "LEAVE NOW" over a plane on takeoff. Von expressed his disapproval of being featured in the video, stating, "I'm not going to be used as some kind of 'banger' deportation propaganda. Keep me out of your videos." He added, "I don't think it's right for them to use my words like that." DHS officials have yet to respond to Von's demands, but a spokesperson for the agency said in a statement, "The Department of Homeland Security is committed to enforcing our nation's immigration laws and promoting public safety. We will continue to share information about our efforts to protect American communities." Background on the issue shows that DHS has been using social media platforms to promote its deportation numbers and policies. The use of celebrity clips and quotes in these videos has raised concerns among some critics, who argue that it is an attempt to manipulate public opinion. Von's objection highlights the complexities of social media regulation and the potential for misuse by government agencies. As one expert noted, "The line between promoting public safety and manipulating public opinion can be blurry. It's essential for government agencies to be transparent about their intentions and ensure that they are not using misleading information." In response to Von's demands, DHS has faced calls from some lawmakers to remove the video from its social media platforms. One senator stated, "We need to hold our government accountable for how it uses taxpayer dollars and public resources. If Theo Von doesn't want his words used in this way, then we should respect his wishes." The current status of the issue is that DHS has yet to respond to Von's demands or remove the video from its social media platforms. The situation remains under scrutiny as lawmakers and experts continue to weigh in on the implications of government agencies using celebrity clips and quotes in their promotional materials. As one observer noted, "This incident highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in how government agencies use social media. We must ensure that our public institutions are using these platforms responsibly and not manipulating public opinion." *Reporting by Variety.*