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DHS Defends Halo-Themed ICE Messaging, Says Pop-Culture Campaign Will Continue

Microsoft remains silent despite mounting rights questions, with developers condemning the messaging.

Overview

  • A DHS spokesperson said the department will keep using videogame and film references for outreach, adding, "We aren’t slowing down."
  • This week DHS posted a Halo screenshot with the phrase "Destroy the Flood" that linked to ICE sign-ups, followed by a Lord of the Rings–styled ad.
  • The official White House account shared an AI image of President Trump dressed as Master Chief with the caption "Power to the players."
  • Halo veterans Marcus Lehto and Jaime Griesemer denounced the posts, calling the government’s use of the franchise "absolutely abhorrent" and "despicable."
  • Microsoft has not commented on the use of Halo imagery, while The Pokémon Company previously said permission was not granted for earlier DHS content and the posts remain live.