POLITICS

NFL to DHS: No, you can’t use highlights to promote immigration enforcement

PUBLISHED Sep 28, 2026, 2:36 PM ET

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NFL to DHS: No, you can’t use highlights to promote immigration enforcement

Media Bias Meter

Sources: 52

Left 8%

Center 88%

Right 4%

Sources: 52

The National Football League formally requested that the Department of Homeland Security remove a social media video utilizing Pro Football Hall of Fame safety Brian Dawkins for immigration enforcement promotion. The video, posted by DHS on Sunday night, featured a montage of Dawkins tackling players alongside the caption, Our time has come, responding to unverified reports of a migrant caravan. The NFL objected to the unauthorized use of its intellectual property and the blending of league footage with political messaging. Dawkins and representatives for the league asserted that sports entertainment should remain separate from government border policies. The Department of Homeland Security subsequently removed the post following the league intervention. The incident highlights ongoing tensions over the use of copyrighted sports media and prominent athletes in official government propaganda campaigns. Legal analysts noted that public agencies must navigate strict trademark and copyright laws when attempting to leverage popular cultural figures and sports content for state communication objectives.

By Haya | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

On February 2 2020 Brian Dawkins appeared in a commercial broadcast during Super Bowl LIV.
On October 14 2023 The Department of Homeland Security launched a social media strategy.
On June 15 2024 Federal agencies reviewed digital copyright compliance for public agency accounts.
On November 5 2024 Election security communication teams deployed rapid response messaging campaigns.
On January 20 2025 New agency leadership took office across federal communication divisions.
On May 12 2025 Independent media tracked rising political messaging trends on platforms.
On August 19 2025 Legal scholars published papers regarding government social media copyright exemptions.
On March 10 2026 Digital policy groups audited federal accounts for unauthorized media use.
On July 22 2026 Content creators raised awareness on intellectual property enforcement standards.
On September 27 2026 Department of Homeland Security tweeted immigration enforcement video featuring Brian Dawkins.
On September 27 2026 Social media users criticized unauthorized use of NFL player footage.
On September 28 2026 National Football League representatives became aware of the promotional tweet.
On September 28 2026 The league formally contacted agency officials demanding immediate video removal.
On September 28 2026 Department of Homeland Security complied and deleted the social media post.
On September 28 2026 News outlets reported on the intellectual property dispute and takedown.
On September 29 2026 Legal experts evaluated federal copyright limits on government agencies.
On September 29 2026 Further statements from sports leagues regarding political neutrality are anticipated.
On October 1 2026 Federal agencies will review social media copyright compliance guidelines thoroughly.

News Intelligence

Immediate US impact: Federal agencies face heightened scrutiny over unauthorized sports media usage.
Possible long-term US impact: Government communications departments may implement stricter digital copyright review guidelines.
Most affected groups: Sports leagues, federal agencies, sports fans, legal analysts, and media.
Reader priority: Readers should prioritize verified league statements and official agency responses.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 52
Right Leaning:: 2
Left Leaning:: 4
Neutral:: 46
Distribution:: Left 8%, Center 88%, Right 4%

Explain Framing

Left: Emphasizes copyright infringement and government overreach in border messaging. Center: Reports neutral facts regarding the takedown request and intellectual property. Right: Focuses on border security messaging and administrative social media tactics.