Activists are using popular online games like Fortnite and Grand Theft Auto to prepare gamers for real-life encounters with ICE agents. The goal is to educate players about their rights when dealing with immigration authorities.
In a move that echoes the US military's efforts to use gaming as a recruitment tool, the Department of Homeland Security has been posting images and videos on social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter that reference popular games. For example, they posted an image from Halo 3, alongside a tweet that read "Finishing this fight." This move is seen by some as a way for ICE to reach an audience that may be more receptive to their message.
However, activists are pushing back against this approach. A group called New Save Collective has been organizing gaming events and streams to raise awareness about immigration rights and combat xenophobia online. Their goal is to create a community that is kind, authentic, and focused on doing good.
The group's founders have backgrounds in activism and organizing, and they plan to continue holding future events and organizing gamers. They believe that games like Fortnite and Grand Theft Auto offer a unique platform for their message to reach a wide audience.
In order to play through the scavenger hunt event planned for Fortnite, players must first be onboarded to the server. Organizers have already dealt with people claiming to be ICE agents spreading misinformation and pro-ICE propaganda in their online communities.
The group is working with other organizations, including Define American, which focuses on shifting the portrayal of immigrants in media. Shauna Siggelkow, vice president of programs for Define American, says that the focus on games is part of a broader effort to change the public discourse around immigration.
"We want to make sure that our message is showing up in those same places—maybe you are not an immigrant, but someone in your life, in your community definitely is," she said.
In a move that echoes the US military's efforts to use gaming as a recruitment tool, the Department of Homeland Security has been posting images and videos on social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter that reference popular games. For example, they posted an image from Halo 3, alongside a tweet that read "Finishing this fight." This move is seen by some as a way for ICE to reach an audience that may be more receptive to their message.
However, activists are pushing back against this approach. A group called New Save Collective has been organizing gaming events and streams to raise awareness about immigration rights and combat xenophobia online. Their goal is to create a community that is kind, authentic, and focused on doing good.
The group's founders have backgrounds in activism and organizing, and they plan to continue holding future events and organizing gamers. They believe that games like Fortnite and Grand Theft Auto offer a unique platform for their message to reach a wide audience.
In order to play through the scavenger hunt event planned for Fortnite, players must first be onboarded to the server. Organizers have already dealt with people claiming to be ICE agents spreading misinformation and pro-ICE propaganda in their online communities.
The group is working with other organizations, including Define American, which focuses on shifting the portrayal of immigrants in media. Shauna Siggelkow, vice president of programs for Define American, says that the focus on games is part of a broader effort to change the public discourse around immigration.
"We want to make sure that our message is showing up in those same places—maybe you are not an immigrant, but someone in your life, in your community definitely is," she said.
Like, I get the intention behind it - to educate people and all that - but at what cost? 
I mean, we're already seeing a lot of misinformation spread around online gaming communities. Now they're using gaming as a way to "recruit" people? It's like, what's next? 
But we need to be careful not to just swap one info overload for another. Can we really trust ICE to spread accurate info? 
! they're using games like Fortnite and GTA to spread awareness about immigration rights & combatting xenophobia online 
it's a genius way to reach people who might not be as open to traditional activist methods. I mean, who doesn't love gaming? 
and the scavenger hunt event in Fortnite sounds like so much fun! I'm definitely signing up for that 
. I think this is a great example of how gaming can be used for good 
. The Department of Homeland Security's move to use games as a recruitment tool is kinda weird though... does anyone really want to join ICE? 
anyway, I'll be keeping an eye on New Save Collective and their events! 
. I get where the activists are coming from, but can't we have a more nuanced conversation about immigration without resorting to gaming and social media memes? 
. Give me a break!
Its not a good look 4 them & might just make ppl more scared or defensive 
They're creating a community that's all about positivity, kindness & respect online 
It's so important 2 promote those values, especially when it comes 2 issues like immigration 
like what's next? using minecraft to identify potential terrorists or something 
i get that immigration can be super complicated and scary but using games as a recruitment tool just feels really exploitative 
and how are they gonna stop all these fake ice agents from messing up the event 
gotta give it to new save collective for organizing some sick gaming events tho 
so what's with ice posting gaming pics and vids on instagram? like r they trying 2 reach gamers w/ their immigration msg or wut? 
dont think games like fortnite r the best platform 4 this kinda thing... i mean, its not exactly like u can jus relate 2 some dude in a halo uniform when ur dealing w/ immigration authorities 
anyway, I think its awesome dat New Save Collective is countering dis approach by creatin a community thats all about positivity & inclusivity. They should keep organizin those gaming events & streams 2 spread awareness bout immigration rights 
like are we just gonna dumb down the message to reach a wider audience or something?
did they really think that was gonna resonate with people?
. We need more of this! Let's focus on spreading positivity online 
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... like, what's next? Using Minecraft to brainwash kids into conforming to their ideology? 
. We need more conversations about empathy and understanding, not just fear-mongering and xenophobia. Let's focus on building bridges, not walls 
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. We should be encouraging empathy and understanding, not just trying to force our views on others