The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has taken down a controversial advertisement targeting the Indian-American and Sikh communities after widespread backlash. The DHS had posted an AI-generated image on social media stating, “Get off our streets, you can’t drive, Mr. Singh.” This ad sparked sharp criticism from California Governor Gavin Newsom, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, and various civil rights groups, who condemned it as racially offensive propaganda.
Kathmandu, September 13 – The Department of Homeland Security removed the advertisement from the social platform X after it provoked a significant controversy. The ad contained a provocative message directed at Indian-American and Sikh communities which ignited broad opposition, prompting DHS to delete the post. Indian-American organizations and Democratic Party leaders strongly denounced the move.
The DHS had shared an AI-generated image on X depicting a lightly brown-skinned man with a beard. Accompanying the image was a message saying, “Get off our streets, you can’t drive, Mr. Singh.” The release of this advertisement triggered intense debate across US political and civil rights spheres.
While the DHS removed the original post, it continued to launch counterattacks against California Governor Gavin Newsom, accusing him of issuing professional driving licenses to undocumented immigrants. The controversy began amid DHS efforts to promote its “CBP Home” program. Conservative organizations and advocacy groups sharply criticized the government’s promotional tactics.
