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Analysis of DHS Propaganda and Disinformation in Framing OMWB

The Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) communications strategy, particularly concerning its operations targeting migrants (referenced as OMWB—Operation Migrant Wave at the Border—in some discussions), has been characterized by a distinct use of propaganda and disinformation. These tactics were deployed to frame immigration enforcement actions as necessary responses to a national security crisis, often through sensationalized media, inflammatory rhetoric from high-ranking officials, and the controversial appropriation of religious themes.

Disinformation in Presidential Messaging: The "Chaos" Video

A key example of alleged disinformation came directly from the Executive Branch. The White House posted a "chaos" video reportedly intended to justify aggressive federal actions by painting a dire picture of domestic disorder.

Reports indicate this video included fake footage from Florida, specifically in the context of an enforcement action that has been discussed under the name "Operation Tidal Wave." The inclusion of fabricated or manipulated visuals in an official government communication is a classic propaganda technique. It is designed to manufacture a sense of urgency, exaggerate the scale of a problem, and bypass factual reporting to elicit an emotional response that builds public support for the administration's policy, regardless of factual basis. This practice transforms enforcement into a political spectacle aimed at validating the administration’s narrative of a nation descending into lawlessness.

Secretary Noem's Rhetorical Escalation: Chicago as a "War Zone"

The administration's narrative was significantly amplified by senior DHS officials, notably then-Secretary Kristi Noem, whose rhetoric intensified the perceived threat.

In a highly publicized statement, Secretary Noem publicly declared Chicago a "war zone" following the deployment of federal agents to the city. This move was typically executed over the objections of local officials in jurisdictions run by political opponents. Furthermore, she directly accused local officials of "lying" about the true conditions on the ground.

• Propaganda Effect: By labeling a major U.S. city a "war zone," Noem employed rhetorical hyperbole—a form of propaganda—to sensationalize crime and civil unrest. This language served to justify federal overreach and unilateral intervention in local affairs.
• Undermining Trust: The accusation that local leaders were "lying" was a strategic move to undermine public trust in non-federal government institutions, thereby positioning the DHS and the administration as the sole, authoritative purveyors of "truth" and effective governance. This rhetoric intensified political polarization around federal law enforcement actions.

Controversial Use of Pop Culture and Scripture

The DHS also ventured into a controversial social media strategy that merged its enforcement operations with popular culture and religious iconography.

The "Revival" Post and Religious Appropriation

The agency's social media accounts, such as its X (formerly Twitter) feed, posted a promotional video that compiled footage of ICE raids and other enforcement actions. The video was controversially overlaid with the Christian-themed song "Revival" (attributed to country artist Zach Bryan) and, at times, Christian scripture.

• Controversy and Condemnation: This practice was met with immediate condemnation from activists and many religious leaders. They argued that overlaying images of agents forcefully detaining and deporting individuals with Christian scripture and music constituted a profound profanity and a political misuse of faith.
• Activists' Stance: Activists asserted that the practice was fundamentally at odds with core religious tenets of compassion, charity, and social justice. Clergy and faith-based groups often participate in immigrant advocacy and protest against these operations—sometimes facing force from federal agents—and viewed the DHS's post as an attempt to co-opt their faith for state violence. The deployment of "Revival" music, which in its original context was even interpreted by some as critical of such government actions, added a layer of irony to the agency’s propaganda effort.

Conclusion

The DHS's communications under the administration in question utilized a clear strategy of framing its migration enforcement operations (OMWB) through a lens of national crisis and moral certainty. From deploying potentially fabricated video evidence in White House media to the inflammatory rhetoric of Secretary Noem and the controversial use of Christian themes on social media, these tactics prioritized shaping public perception and justifying aggressive, often non-consensual, federal actions over providing strictly factual or apolitical information.

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Sources

• Kristi Noem calls Chicago a ‘war zone’ after federal agents shoot woman. The Guardian. (https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/oct/05/trump-kristi-noem-chicago-national-guard)
• Religious protesters say ICE threatens religious freedom in Chicago. Religion News Service. (https://religionnews.com/2025/10/07/in-chicago-clergy-and-religious-protesters-say-ice-is-threatening-their-religious-freedom/)
• DHS trolls Zach Bryan with his own lyrics after his new song draws ire from MAGA. Yahoo News UK (The Independent). (https://uk.news.yahoo.com/homeland-security-official-four-word-160430964.html)