The administration of Donald Trump sparked a new controversy in its crusade against illegal immigration by using the image of the movie character E.T. in a campaign by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to promote voluntary deportations.
“Illegal immigrants, follow E.T.'s example and go back home. If you are here illegally, leave NOW, the easy way, using the app CBP Home. You will receive travel assistance and a stipend to return to your country of origin,” the DHS published on its official X account, accompanying the message with an image of the iconic bicycle-riding extraterrestrial from Steven Spielberg's film.
The publication generated a wave of immediate reactions, both due to its sarcastic tone and the use of a child character in such a sensitive topic as deportations.
It is not the first time that the Trump administration has used memes or cultural references in official campaigns, a tactic that has been criticized for trivializing the situation of millions of migrants.
The leader launched the mobile application CBP Home, which allows irregular immigrants to notify their intention to voluntarily leave the country. This new tool replaces CBP One, a platform used during Joe Biden's administration for those who wanted to enter the U.S.
The app includes the "Intent to Depart" function, which, according to the authorities, allows users to avoid harsher immigration penalties if they choose to leave voluntarily. It also provides financial and logistical assistance for return.
"We want them to leave on their own before we locate and deport them," warned Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, who defended the use of the tool as part of a more "efficient and strict" policy.
“If you leave now, you may have the opportunity to come back legally in the future. If you don’t, we will find you, we will deport you, and you will never return,” he stated.
Organizations advocating for migrant rights described the campaign as "cruel and infantilizing," accusing the government of dehumanizing the undocumented and using institutional power to intimidate.
Meanwhile, Trump continues to toughen his immigration rhetoric as he aims for reelection. He has promised unprecedented mass deportations, a tightening of immigration laws, and new restrictions on temporary protection programs.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Trump Administration's Deportation Campaign
What does the campaign for voluntary deportations using E.T. as its image consist of?
The Trump administration has launched a campaign using the image of E.T., the film character, to promote voluntary deportations of undocumented immigrants. The campaign encourages immigrants to follow E.T.'s example and return to their country of origin using the CBP Home application, offering travel assistance and a financial stipend for their return.
What is the CBP Home application and how does it work?
The CBP Home application is a digital tool created by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office that allows immigrants in an irregular situation to notify their intention to voluntarily leave the country. It offers an orderly process for voluntary departure, avoiding severe immigration penalties, and provides economic and logistical assistance for returning to their country of origin.
What benefits does the Trump administration offer to those who choose self-deportation?
The Trump administration offers several benefits to those who choose self-deportation: forgiveness of accumulated fines for not leaving the country, free travel to their country of origin, and a departure bonus of $1,000. These incentives aim to facilitate the voluntary departure of undocumented immigrants.
What consequences do immigrants face if they do not self-deport?
Immigrants who do not self-deport face severe consequences, such as daily fines of up to 998 dollars, arrest, forced deportation, and a ban on returning to the United States. The Trump administration has implemented these measures to pressure undocumented immigrants to leave the country voluntarily.
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