‘They’re afraid of memes, in the meantime lives are on the road’: DHS simply banned FEMA from utilizing one phrase throughout catastrophic winter storm

The Division of Homeland Safety (DHS) has reportedly banned the Federal Emergency Administration Company (FEMA) from utilizing the phrase “ice” when speaking concerning the large winter storm hitting the nation. This isn’t about being clear or correct. DHS is fearful that saying “ice,” the frozen water, will make folks assume badly of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, often known as ICE.

The federal government is anxious about how phrases is likely to be linked in folks’s minds. DHS employees reportedly need FEMA to say “freezing rain” as an alternative of “ice” when discussing the harmful climate. The principle fear is about public picture and avoiding jokes on the web.

In response to The Day by day Beast, Correspondent Gabe Cohen defined, “What they’re fearful about right here is that by posting one thing like ‘Be careful for the ice,’ it’s going to grow to be a possibility for a meme, for web fodder, for public ridicule in opposition to the division.” This looks as if an odd factor to concentrate on when public security is in danger.

This storm threatens hundreds of thousands whereas the federal government worries about defending its picture

The winter storm is big and presently threatens hundreds of thousands of Individuals throughout about two-thirds of the nation. A minimum of 18 states have declared a state of emergency due to heavy snow, freezing rain, and excessive chilly. The hazard may be very actual.

Anchor Jake Tapper known as the order “one other extremely idiotic story.” He mentioned, “They’re afraid of memes, in the meantime lives are on the road.” It’s irritating to see an company care extra about avoiding web jokes than utilizing the clearest language to warn folks about harmful situations.

On June 15, 2025, President Trump ordered US Immigration and Customs Enforcement to start what he known as “the most important mass deportation operation in American historical past.” The aim was to maintain communities “secure and free from unlawful alien crime, battle, and chaos.” Since then, federal brokers have grow to be a typical sight in main cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York.

This has created widespread concern, particularly amongst immigrant households and households with blended immigration standing. Current incidents have raised critical considerations, together with ICE taking a younger youngster from his driveway after college. The difficulty isn’t whether or not the federal government can implement the legislation. It’s about how that enforcement impacts every day life and whether or not folks belief the system.

The concern of ICE has modified how sure folks reside. When a colleague warned a Georgetown College Legislation Middle employees member that brokers had been anticipated all through Washington DC, the recommendation was easy: “Keep dwelling. Don’t exit.” The sort of warning has grow to be regular for many individuals, turning on a regular basis life into one thing that wants cautious planning. There have even been stories of brokers eradicating a US citizen with out correct clothes in freezing temperatures, elevating questions on enforcement strategies.