US government launches games at the White House that simulate deportation of immigrants
Quick Look
The United States government has launched games on the official White House website that transform the deportation of undocumented immigrants into activities similar to 'Snake' and 'Tetris', provoking criticism from human rights groups who called the initiative dehumanizing and offensive.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Donald Trump's administration has expanded detention and deportation operations against undocumented immigrants, including revoking legal status for Haitians, which has led to controversial videos released by DHS showing deportations in handcuffs.
An image of a White House website with arcade games is displayed on a computer screen on Thursday, September 3, 2026 — Photo: Jon Elswick/AP
The United States government launched this Thursday (3) games that turn the deportation of undocumented immigrants into a kind of game. The initiative was criticized.
In one of the games, inspired by the classic "Snake", popularly known as the "snake game" in Brazil, the player must capture as many people as possible who crossed the Rio Grande, on the border with Mexico, and deport them.
In another game, the user must build a wall on the border with Mexico, in a dynamic inspired by "Tetris". The title is "Secure the border from the approaching horde".
The games are available on the official White House website and use retro graphics, in reference to the classics originally released in the 1970s and 1980s.
The initiative has provoked criticism from human rights groups and comes as Donald Trump's government expands immigrant detention and deportation operations.
"This disgusts me. They spend years playing with people's lives and now they make a video game out of their actions," Amérika García Grewal, co-director of the Texas-based NGO Frontera Federation, told AFP.
"Whoever created it lost sight of what it means to be human and care about others," he added.
The White House defended the games in a statement sent to AFP. According to the government, the initiative "further highlights the contrast between a 'fun' and 'successful' culture and the dark socialist vision that Democrats have for the United States."
White House game imitates 'Snake' to deport immigrants — Photo: Reproduction
Deportations
Recently, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released a video showing the deportation of Haitian immigrants in handcuffs, after the US revoked a status that allowed these people to remain legally in the United States.
The video, which had background music, was criticized by Trump opponents, who called it degrading and racist.
DHS said it arrested nearly 51,000 undocumented immigrants in August, a number considered a record by the department.
The White House's communications strategy has also explored so-called "trolling" on social media, with the publication of provocative content to generate reaction, indignation and engagement.
VIDEOS: now on g1
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The White House will keep the games online despite criticism, as part of its social media engagement strategy.
Likely · Within weeks
Human rights groups will increase pressure through awareness campaigns and possible legal action against the initiative.
Possible · Within months
Open Questions
- What was the development cost of the White House games?
- Will games be kept on the site after reviews?
- Are there plans to expand this 'gamification' strategy to other government policies?
