ICE Barbie's Latest Stunt: Turning Immigration Into the 'Hunger Games'
In a move that perfectly encapsulates the surreal state of American politics in 2025, the Department of Homeland Security is seriously considering transforming the immigration process into prime-time entertainment.
Under Secretary Kristi "ICE Barbie" Noem's leadership, DHS is reviewing a proposal for "The American," a reality show in which immigrants compete for expedited citizenship through a series of increasingly bizarre challenges.
From Border Security to Network TV
The proposal, crafted by "Duck Dynasty" producer Rob Worsoff, represents a dramatic shift in how DHS approaches immigration.
This isn't the agency's first dance with Hollywood – they previously collaborated on the 2017 documentary series "Immigration Nation" – but it marks an unprecedented move into entertainment programming.
The 35-page pitch deck, obtained through internal sources, reveals a show format that would make even the most seasoned reality TV producer blush.
Contestants would travel across America by train (subtly named "The American"), participating in regionally specific "cultural challenges" that read like a fever dream of American stereotypes:
Log-rolling competitions in Wisconsin
Model T Ford assembly races in Detroit
Rocket building at NASA facilities in Florida
Gold mining challenges in San Francisco
Ranch management tests in Texas
The Stakes and Sponsors
The show's grand prize package reflects America's unique blend of patriotism and corporate influence:
Fast-tracked citizenship
1 million American Airlines points
A $10,000 Starbucks gift card
A lifetime supply of 76 gasoline
A new Ford F-150 (because nothing says "American" quite like a pickup truck)
Corporate America has already shown significant interest, with major brands reportedly lining up for sponsorship opportunities.
The show's finale would feature the winner being sworn in as a U.S. citizen on the Capitol steps, complete with a Thunderbirds flyover and celebrity guests.
The Controversial Leadership
Secretary Noem, whose tenure at DHS has been marked by theatrical gestures and carefully staged photo ops, sees the show as an opportunity to "humanize" the immigration process.
Critics, however, point to her transformation of DHS offices into personal galleries – complete with framed photos of herself in tactical gear – as evidence of misplaced priorities.
The Reality TV-ification of Immigration Policy
Immigration advocates have raised serious concerns about the ethical implications of turning the citizenship process into entertainment.
"This isn't just tasteless – it's dangerous," says Maria Rodriguez, director of the Immigration Policy Center. "We're talking about people's lives and futures, not content for Nielsen ratings."
The show's proposed host lineup reads like a carefully curated attempt at diversity: Sofia Vergara, Ryan Reynolds, and Mila Kunis – all immigrants or children of immigrants themselves – are being courted for hosting duties.
Beyond Entertainment: The Broader Implications
This proposal emerges against a backdrop of ongoing immigration challenges:
A backlog of over 1.5 million immigration cases in U.S. courts
Average processing times of 2-3 years for citizenship applications
Continued controversy over border policies and enforcement
Critics argue that resources spent on television production would be better directed toward addressing these systemic issues.
"We need immigration reform, not reality TV," says Immigration attorney James Chen. "This proposal shows a fundamental misunderstanding of both the immigration system and the dignity of those seeking citizenship."
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Sources:
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/16/us/politics/homeland-security-immigration-reality-show.html
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/16/trump-tv-gameshow-citizenship-report
https://edition.cnn.com/2025/05/16/politics/dhs-vetting-immigrant-reality-tv-show
This makes me want to fetal-curl into catatonia. They are amoral to the point of not being able to recognize morality or immorality. They are craven beyond craven.
It really is abhorrent and sickening! We cannot let this happen! Time for more boycotts of anyone who sponsors and even the network that shows it, if it comes to that.