U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement released a holiday-themed artificial intelligence video this week depicting Santa Claus arresting and deporting illegal aliens, as part of a broader federal effort encouraging voluntary self-deportation before the end of the year, as reported [1] by The New York Post.
The video, posted late Monday on X, shows a muscular Santa Claus wearing a red, bulletproof ICE vest detaining an illegal alien on a city street.
The clip then depicts Santa processing the individual at a federal facility before loading him onto an “ICE Air” aircraft for removal from the United States.
The message is framed around the holiday season, warning illegal aliens to leave voluntarily or face enforcement action.
ICE captioned the video with a clear directive: “AVOID ICE AIR AND SANTA’S NAUGHTY LIST!”
The video coincided with an announcement earlier Monday by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem outlining a new financial incentive designed to encourage illegal aliens to self-deport.
Under the program, eligible individuals who voluntarily leave the country using the CBP Home app can receive $3,000 if they depart by Dec. 31.
“Self-deport today with the CBP Home app, earn $3,000 and spend Christmas at home with loved ones,” ICE wrote in its post accompanying the video. “Holiday incentive is valid through the end of 2025.”
AVOID ICE AIR AND SANTA’S NAUGHTY LIST!
Self-deport today with the CBP Home app, earn $3,000 and spend Christmas at home with loved ones.
Holiday incentive is valid through the end of 2025. pic.twitter.com/v80QAaKquD [2]
— U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (@ICEgov) December 22, 2025 [3]
The incentive expands on a program launched by the Trump administration in May, which offered a $1,000 bonus and free travel to illegal aliens who voluntarily departed the United States using the CBP Home app.
Administration officials said the approach was intended to reduce enforcement costs and encourage compliance without lengthy detention proceedings.
According to federal officials, the average cost to arrest, detain, and deport an illegal alien is approximately $17,000 per person. By contrast, voluntary departures under the incentive program are significantly cheaper for taxpayers.
The administration has reported that roughly 1.9 million illegal migrants have voluntarily self-deported since President Trump took office.
Officials say the increase reflects a shift toward stricter enforcement paired with financial incentives aimed at accelerating removals.
ICE has increasingly used digital messaging, including AI-generated content, to amplify enforcement warnings and communicate policy changes to illegal aliens inside the United States.
The Santa-themed video marks one of the agency’s most high-profile holiday campaigns to date.
The Department of Homeland Security has emphasized that voluntary self-deportation remains the fastest and least punitive option for those in the country illegally, particularly as enforcement operations continue nationwide.
Officials have not indicated whether additional holiday-themed messaging campaigns are planned.
ICE has not released data on how many individuals have enrolled in the new $3,000 holiday incentive since its announcement.
The agency said the program remains available through the end of 2025, with higher payments offered for departures completed by the end of December.