They Walk Among Us: The White House’s Alien Enforcer Website
A new White House website, aliens.gov, uses imagery and language inspired by “The X-Files” to address immigration enforcement, referring to noncitizens as “aliens” and framing them as a threat. The site features a dark, starry background with the phrase “THEY WALK AMONG US” in green text, along with the opening credits of the 1990s TV series. It includes claims about “millions of ILLEGALS” and calls for their deportation, while also referencing President Trump’s recent release of classified files on extraterrestrial encounters.
The term “aliens” has historical roots in U.S. Law, including the 1798 Alien and Sedition Acts, which allowed the government to detain noncitizens during wartime. California removed the term from state law in 2021, calling it “outdated and derogatory.” Scholars warn that equating immigrants with extraterrestrials fosters dehumanization and could incite fear or violence against marginalized groups.
The website’s data, such as a claim of “over three million ENCOUNTERS,” lacks clear sourcing. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) defines “encounters” broadly, including cases where enforcement actions are merely considered. Researchers note discrepancies between the site’s figures and publicly available data, raising questions about transparency. The site’s design also includes code comments suggesting possible use of AI tools, though the White House has not confirmed this.
The site’s creators have not explained its purpose, but analysts suggest it could be a tactic to divert attention from broader political challenges. Its propaganda-style messaging, combined with ambiguous data, raises concerns about the normalization of inflammatory language in public discourse.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is aliens.gov? It’s a White House website using “The X-Files” aesthetic to discuss immigration enforcement, referring to noncitizens as “aliens.”
Why is the term “aliens” controversial? The term has historical roots in discriminatory laws, such as the 1798 Alien and Sedition Acts, and is now seen as dehumanizing by many scholars and lawmakers.
What is the role of AI in the website’s creation? The site’s source code includes comments suggesting possible AI-generated elements, though the White House has not confirmed this.
How might this rhetoric affect public perception of immigration policies? Could it influence future debates on border security or refugee resettlement?