U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) issued a series of public advisories on social media between December 18 and December 19, 2025, addressing concerns about misinformation, law enforcement activity, and consumer protection during the holiday season.
On December 18, ICE posted a warning regarding the proliferation of artificial intelligence-generated content online. The agency stated: "Content creators, hungry for clicks and the cash they bring, are muddying feeds with AI-generated slop featuring federal law enforcement officers and agents. Don’t be fooled — know the sure signs of AI." This statement reflects growing concerns among federal agencies about the spread of misleading or fabricated digital material involving official personnel.
Later that evening, on December 19, ICE reported an arrest made by its San Antonio office. According to the agency: "ICE San Antonio arrested Byron Arias-Palacios, a 48-year-old criminal illegal alien from Ecuador. Arias-Palacios was convicted of CONSPIRACY TO IMPORT COCAINE HYDROCHLORIDE into the U.S. and sentenced to nine years in prison." The announcement highlights ongoing efforts by ICE to enforce immigration laws and address drug trafficking offenses.
In another post on December 19, ICE Director Todd Lyons offered consumer advice for the holiday period. The agency shared: "Buy gift cards from authorized retailers, not from outside sources. ICE Director Todd Lyons provides you and your loved ones with helpful tips to avoid getting scammed during the holiday season." Such guidance comes amid heightened risks of fraud targeting consumers at year-end.
The warnings about AI-generated content reflect broader challenges faced by government agencies as advances in artificial intelligence technology have made it easier to create convincing fake images and videos that can mislead the public or impersonate officials. These developments have prompted calls for increased vigilance among both officials and citizens.
Similarly, holiday seasons often see spikes in scams involving gift cards or other financial instruments, prompting law enforcement agencies like ICE to issue reminders about safe purchasing practices.
