Is a video of an ICE agent deporting his own mother authentic? No, that's not true: The account that posted the video clearly labeled it "AI-generated parody - not real footage." The video shows signs it was produced by generative AI, such as scrambled symbols instead of clear letters on an officer's vest.
The story appeared in an October 17, 2025 video on TikTok account @crusty.left.sock (archived here). The video opens with a male wearing a vest that reads "ICE" speaking:
Sorry Mom, this is my job. We have to deport you.
This is what the video looked like on TikTok at the time of writing:
(Source: TikTok account @crusty.left.sock screenshot taken by Lead Stories.)
In the video the man is apologizing to a crying woman, saying, "Sorry Mom, this is my job. We have to deport you. I know, I'm so sorry." The woman's words are in captions and read:
I am sorry, my son. Please, how can you do this to me? I'm your mom. Please, son, don't leave me
The post clearly admits it is AI generated in the caption that reads:
Exclusive footage of an ICE agent taking his own mother into custody in San Bernardino, California. #shame #ice #immigration #sanbernardino #california
AI-generated parody -- not real footage.
Common evidence of AI-generated visuals show up in this, including scrambled signage and the vest of the officer behind the woman, bearing the word "police" spelled with nonsense/non English letter symbols as this screenshot shows:
(Source: TikTok account @crusty.left.sock screenshot taken by Lead Stories.)
