The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) just made headlines—but not for the right reasons. In a move that has hip-hop heads and activists scratching their heads, DHS posted a new recruitment video on X featuring none other than DaBaby’s hit “TOES”. The caption? Simply: “Iced out.” And yes, it’s as awkward as it sounds.
Tone-Deaf or Just Out of Touch?
The clip showcases ICE vehicles rolling through streets of DC, decked out in flashy paint jobs that oddly resemble Donald Trump’s private jet. At one point, the former president’s name even pops up in gold on one of the trucks. Meanwhile, DaBaby’s bars play in the background:
“My heart so cold I think I’m done with ice / Said if I leave her, she gon’ die…”
While some lyrics were censored, the vibe is still totally mismatched. Hip-hop culture has long been a voice for the streets and marginalized communities—using it to hype up vehicles that “terrorize immigrants” feels, well… wrong.
Recruitment Gone Wrong
DHS followed the video with a link encouraging people to sign up for ICE, likely a move to revive dwindling recruitment numbers. Public reaction? Let’s just say it’s not great. X users called it a “disgusting waste of OUR money” and poked fun at the bizarre attempt to make ICE seem cool.
Even celebrity endorsements can’t save this one. Reports mention Dean Cain joining the organization, but internet users are more focused on the cringe factor of pairing DaBaby with a federal enforcement agency.
Community Reactions
Social media blew up. From calls-out comparing the stunt to Trump-era absurdities, to pointing out DaBaby’s own history, fans were united in disbelief. The consensus? Using hip-hop to market power and intimidation isn’t just tone-deaf—it’s a slap in the face to the culture that created the music.
