The White House on Tuesday shared a video titled “ASMR: Illegal Alien Deportation Flight” showing immigrants in shackles boarding a deportation flight. According to CNBC News, the flight departed from Seattle.
The post shared on X features various clips of officers preparing restraints, chaining deportees, detainees walking in chains, and individuals boarding a plane.
The White House’s use of the term ASMR in this context drew reactions online, including from billionaire Elon Musk, who responded with: “Haha wow.”
The 40-second video includes close-up shots of handcuffs being laid out, officers securing restraints, and detainees walking up steel steps to the aircraft. None of the individuals’ faces are visible. The video was originally posted by the Seattle office of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) with the caption: “REMOVAL FLIGHT. A group of undocumented aliens are flown from Seattle as part of a process to finalize return to their home countries,” CNBC reports.
Other X users also reacted to the video, with one calling its posting on the White House’s official account “based.” Another questioned, “How much did this security theatre cost the American taxpayer?” A third user expressed surprise, saying, “I never thought I would hear an ASMR video of deportation.”
What is ASMR?
ASMR, or Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response, is a relaxing, tingling sensation that some people experience in response to specific sounds or visual triggers. Common ASMR triggers include soft whispering, tapping, crinkling paper, brushing sounds, and even gentle hand movements. Many people watch ASMR videos to help with relaxation, sleep, or stress relief. The sensation can create a calming effect similar to a light massage or a soothing lullaby.
The White House’s decision to label its deportation video as ASMR suggests that, for some, the sights and sounds of shackles and chains might evoke a similar reaction.
Since taking office on January 20, President Donald Trump has increased deportations as part of his immigration policy. Thousands of undocumented immigrants have already been sent back, including over 300 Indian nationals.
Tom Homan, Trump’s border czar, has said the administration will continue deportations, stating that he will not rest until every “illegal criminal migrant” is “eradicated” from the country. He also noted that illegal crossings have decreased under Trump compared to the previous administration.