Homeland Security Tweets ‘South Park’ Image as ICE Recruitment Tool

Does the Department of Homeland Security have a sense of humor, or does someone there recognize the massive popularity and reach of South Park?

Earlier this afternoon, the governmental agency, which has been arresting and incarcerating undocumented — and sometimes documented — immigrants, posted a still from the upcoming Wednesday (Aug. 6) episode of Trey Parker‘s and Matt Stone‘s wildly popular animated Comedy Central series, which features an ICE subplot, on X (formerly Twitter) topped with a link that reads “JOIN.ICE.GOV.” The link leads to a page depicting a vintage image of Uncle Sam, with the headline, “AMERICA NEEDS YOU.”

“America has been invaded by criminals and predators. We need YOU to get them out. You do not need an undergraduate degree.” Those who join, the recruitment site goes on to explain, are eligible for up to a $50,000 signing bonus, $60,000 student loan repayment and 25% premium pay, although 25% of what base pay is not revealed.

“CHOOSE YOUR MISSION” the site’s text continues, and includes photos of deportation officers, criminal investigators and other ICE positions.

Billboard has reached out to Comedy Central and the Department of Homeland Security for comment, but at the time of publication had not heard back. We will update this story if we receive responses.

The Aug. 6 episode of South Park, titled, “Got A Nut,” is the second of the series’ 27th season. According to Comedy Central’s summary of the episode, “When Mr. Mackay loses his job, he desperately tries to find a new way to make a living.” Based on the preview below, he has chosen his mission.