Pastor and commentator Josh Howerton issued a lengthy public statement disputing a series of viral claims circulating online about Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions, arguing that the public is “in the middle of a propaganda war” designed to mislead viewers and inflame opposition to law enforcement.
In his remarks, Howerton addressed numerous widely shared images and videos that have been used to accuse ICE of abuse, negligence, or brutality, insisting many of the claims are false, misleading, or stripped of context.
“Now, listen, I’m about to waterboard you with this. If you do not believe you’re in the middle of a propaganda war, I love you, and you can be as mad at me as you want. You’re wrong,” Howerton said.
“Okay, so listen, I’m gonna rapid fire these. Here we go.”
Howerton began by addressing a viral image of a child allegedly dying in ICE custody under President Donald Trump.
“No, this is not a picture of an eight year old girl who died in ICE custody under the Trump administration’s heartless dictatorship,” he said.
“It happened in 2023 as reported by the New York Times under the Biden administration, but now it’s getting millions of views and being labeled as happening now.”
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He then turned to another widely circulated photo claiming to show a child placed in a cage by federal authorities.
“No, this is not a photo of a five year old put in a cage because of the current administration calls people illegal,” Howerton said.
“Snopes reports after millions of views, it was discovered that was a photo taken at a protest staged in front of Dallas City Hall. The parents brought the kid to the protest.”
Howerton also addressed claims that ICE agents randomly assaulted civilians during enforcement actions. “No, this is not a video of ICE agents, quote, unquote, drive by, macing people for no reason,” he said.
“They were throwing things at law enforcement vehicles, and the guy maced the guy that was throwing things at law enforcement vehicles.”
Responding to images showing a woman with a severely injured hand, Howerton rejected claims that ICE caused the injury.
“No, this is not a picture of woman whose hand was shot off by ICE agents firing rounds at mourners,” he said.
“She was rioting and obstructing law enforcement… she picked up a flash bang before it detonated and injured her own hand.”
Howerton disputed reports of ICE arresting small children, tear-gassing infants, and detaining innocent workers.
“This is not a picture of a five year old boy arrested by ICE,” he said.
“That is a picture of ICE agents following protocol and not leaving a five year old alone in freezing weather out on the street.”
He added, “This is not a picture of a baby that was tear gassed by ICE while his parents were on their way to a basketball game… His parents lied. They’re on video at a violent protest, and they left their baby alone in a car for 45 minutes.”
Addressing another viral photo, Howerton said, “This is not a picture of an innocent restaurant worker being arrested by heartless ICE agents… It is a picture of an illegal child rapist who fled into a restaurant to avoid arrest.”
Howerton also rejected claims involving shootings attributed to ICE, citing reports that individuals involved were armed and firing at law enforcement.
“Even the Associated Press reports the guy was firing rounds at law enforcement helicopters,” he said.
Turning to deportation statistics, Howerton disputed claims that current deportations are unprecedented.
“Bill Clinton deported 12 point 3 million people. Bush deported 10 point 3 million people. Obama deported 3 million people. Biden deported 4.4 million people so far… Trump has deported a total of an estimated 2.5 million people,” he said.
Howerton also addressed rhetoric labeling ICE as authoritarian.
“ICE is not the quote, unquote, American Gestapo,” he said, pointing to Tom Homan’s previous service under President Barack Obama.
While defending law enforcement, Howerton emphasized a Christian obligation to compassion.
“Christians are commanded to love all people, including illegal immigrants,” he said.
“We feed hungry people… I don’t care, because I’m gonna let the government do their job, and then the church and individual Christians, we’re gonna do our job.”
He concluded by urging discernment.
“You are 100% in a propaganda war right now,” Howerton said.
“Christians have to become people who wait, learn and reflect, instead of just emotionally reacting and getting caught up in mass hysteria.”
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