Comedian Theo Von revealed that a “high government official” extended an offer for additional security after he faced backlash due to his appearance in a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) video promoting deportation efforts.
During Thursday’s episode of the “This Past Weekend” podcast, Von discussed the online harassment he encountered following the video’s release, mentioning that he had grown more “paranoid” and had even started drawing the curtains in his home for privacy.
Von described waking up to an unexpected text from a government official, who offered extra neighborhood security or additional police patrols if needed. His reaction was one of confusion, asking, “What are you talking about?”
The controversial video, posted by DHS on September 23 across their social media accounts, displayed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents detaining individuals, while Von humorously remarked, “I heard you got deported, dude. Bye.”
In a response on social platform X, which was later deleted, Von expressed his disapproval, saying, “Yooo DHS i didnt approve to be used in this. I know you know my address so send a check. And please take this down and keep me out of your ‘banger’ deportation videos.”
The video was taken down on Sept. 25, although it was unclear whether it was done so by DHS or X.
On the podcast, Von shared that one of his most valued possessions is his father’s immigration papers from when he immigrated to the U.S. from Nicaragua. He highlighted his complex views on immigration and criticized DHS’s actions, calling them indicative of a “surveillance state.” In the deleted X post, Von had noted that his thoughts and feelings on the matter were more complex than the video’s portrayal suggested.
“Everyone is [going to] have to be on the books,” Von said on his podcast on Thursday. “That’s where I believe that we’re headed.”
Von did not clarify which government agency the official who texted him belonged to. The Hill has reached out to the DHS for comment.
