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Trend of Americans wearing passports on their heads goes viral amid fear over ICE raids: Watch

US citizens are sharing videos on social media with passports strapped to their heads amid fears of ICE raids.

Updated on: Jan 27, 2026, 17:57:23 IST
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Amid fears and concerns over ongoing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids, people in the US are posting videos on social media with their passports strapped to their heads.

Amid rising concerns over ICE's practices and recent fatalities, people are sharing videos on social media with their passports on their heads to showcase their citizenship.
Amid rising concerns over ICE's practices and recent fatalities, people are sharing videos on social media with their passports on their heads to showcase their citizenship.

In the viral clips, content creators on social media have expressed that they are donning the documents in this manner to guarantee they possess evidence of their American citizenship before being requested to present it. “You cannot be too careful, you gotta move with purpose now,” one TikTok creator stated in a video.

Americans strap passports to their heads over ICE fears

According to DHS, the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) mandates that aliens and non-citizens residing in the US must possess immigration documentation.

While the trend commenced in December, several videos are now being disseminated online due to heightened tension following the tragic shootings of two US citizens by federal agents in Minneapolis. Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse, and Renee Good were shot dead within a span of less than three weeks.

As ICE persists in implementing the stringent immigration policies implemented during the Trump administration, social media users are consistently posting content that illustrates the effects of these operations on their lives.

TikTok creator @dotish001 posted a video that has garnered over 7 million views, showing him walking around with his passport affixed to his head. “Before you ask me, ‘Are you a citizen? Where’s your passport?’, you see my passport already. This is how we move around,” he stated in the video.

Similar video from @dotish001, who identifies as being from Nigeria and currently residing in Columbus, Ohio, has posted a similar video.

In another clip, the creator is featured inside a vehicle, with his driver's license affixed to his forehead. The video is titled “Excuse me Miss ICE,” and features the text overlay, “How green card holders navigate America.”

Anti-ICE protests surge in US

Widespread demonstrations have emerged in response to the fatalities, and growing concerns are being raised about ICE. In 2025, 32 people died while in ICE custody, making it the agency's deadliest year in the last two decades. Furthermore, there are escalating worries regarding ICE's practices, which encompass arrests conducted without due process, the detention of minors, and occurrences of racial profiling.

  • Shweta Kukreti
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Shweta Kukreti

    Shweta Kukreti has over 8 years of experience in covering Indian and world politics. She joined the Hindustan Times in 2024 and is primarily assigned to the US desk. She currently works as Deputy Chief Content Producer and reports on a wide range of topics, including US politics, immigration issues (especially H-1B visa) and major global events. Shweta strongly emphasizes team operations, which encompasses monitoring news, delegating tasks, editing, developing comprehensive coverage strategies, and crafting engaging, and data-informed narratives. She received the Digi Star Award at the Hindustan Times within a year of joining for her broad coverage of US politics. In 2025, she earned both a promotion and a redesignation, a significant achievement recognising her contributions and the strong value she brings to the team. She has previously worked with the Indian Express, HTDS, ANI and Republic World. Seniors in all the media organisations recognised her work. Regarding education, she earned a BA (Hons.) in Political Science and a master's degree from Delhi University, and she pursued a PG Diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Institution of Mass Communication (IIMC). She also holds a diploma in Women's Empowerment and Development from IGNOU University and a French certification course from Alliance Française de Delhi. If not working, you can find her exploring the hills and engaging in adventurous activities in Rishikesh and Himachal Pradesh. She loves to play badminton, volleyball, and chess, and spend time with her friends and family. She also enjoys spiritual activities.Read More

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