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White House joins ChatGPT’s Ghibli frenzy with meme of convicted drug dealer nabbed by ICE

While some loved White House’s Ghibli-style meme on convicted fentanyl dealer Virginia Basora-Gonzalez, others called it ‘tasteless’.

Updated on: Mar 28, 2025, 08:55:12 IST
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ChatGPT’s native image generator sparked a frenzy after social media users discovered they could use it to create visuals inspired by the iconic Studio Ghibli style. From celebrities to artists to casual internet users, people from all walks of life are joining this viral trend. White House just joined that list with a Ghibli-esque meme of convicted drug dealer Virginia Basora-Gonzalez, who was detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The post has taken social media by surprise.

Virginia Basora-Gonzalez, a convicted drug dealer, was nabbed by ICE after she entered the USA illegally. (X/@WhiteHouse)
Virginia Basora-Gonzalez, a convicted drug dealer, was nabbed by ICE after she entered the USA illegally. (X/@WhiteHouse)

The meme is shared without any caption. It is posted as a reply to another share by the White House on X. “Virginia Basora-Gonzalez, a previously deported alien felon convicted of fentanyl trafficking, was arrested by @ICEgov in Philadelphia after illegally reentering the U.S. She wept when taken into custody (picture attached),” informed the post.

Also Read: Internet turns into Ghibli-inspired playground. 5 things to know about ChatGPT’s image generator

According to the New York Post, 36-year-old Basora-Gonzalez was previously convicted of dealing fentanyl and deported. However, the Dominican drug dealer entered America illegally and was eventually arrested by ICE in Philadelphia. She was nabbed outside her workplace at La Tierra Del Caribe Restaurant. Allegedly, she worked at the establishment as a cook.

Take a look at the X shares:

Social media gives mixed reactions:

“I am sorry, but this is The White House account??? This is grotesque,” posted an X user. Another added, “I miss when the government was professional and not ‘lol memes’.” A third commented, “I love this.” A fourth wrote, “This is absolutely wild.”

Also Read: ‘Awful insult to life’: 2016 video of Studio Ghibli co-founder shutting down AI researchers surfaces

ICE on Virginia Basora-Gonzalez's arrest:

“The apprehension of Virginia Basora-Gonzalez demonstrates our commitment to protecting our communities from criminal aliens who engage in serious illegal activities that pose a threat to public safety,” ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Philadelphia acting Field Office Director Brian McShane told the outlet.

“This successful joint operation exemplifies the collaborative efforts of federal law enforcement agencies to enforce our nation’s immigration laws and remove dangerous individuals from our streets,” the director added.

  • Trisha Sengupta
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Trisha Sengupta

    Trisha Sengupta works as Chief Content Producer at Hindustan Times with over six years of experience in the digital newsroom. Known for her ability to decode the internet’s most talked-about moments, she specialises in high-engagement storytelling that bridges the gap between viral trends and traditional journalism. Throughout her tenure, Trisha has focused on the intersection of technology, finance, and human emotion. She frequently covers personal finance and real estate struggles in hubs like Gurgaon, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, while also documenting the unique challenges of the NRI experience. Her work often highlights the movements and philosophies of global newsmakers and personalities like Elon Musk, Mukesh Ambani, Nikhil Kamath, Dubai crown prince, and MrBeast. From reporting on Amazon or Meta layoffs and startup culture to the emergence of AI-driven platforms like Grok and xAI, she provides a grounded and empathetic perspective on the stories shaping our world. When not decoding the internet, Trisha is likely offline: lost in a book, exploring a historical ruin, or navigating the world as a solo traveler. She balances her fast-paced career with family time and a healthy dose of curiosity, currently trading her "human" sources for silicon ones as she masters AI to future-proof her storytelling.Read More

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