A Spotify spokesperson confirmed that at least one ICE recruitment advertisement appeared on the platform, adding that the advertising "is part of a broad campaign the US government is running" across multiple platforms — not just Spotify. The content does not violate Spotify's advertising policies, the spokesperson said.
In September and October 2025, users across multiple social media platforms claimed
The claim made the rounds as President Donald Trump's administration ramped up its immigration enforcement measures.
In a Sept. 29 TikTok video (archived), one user said she was listening to the free version of Spotify when she heard an advertisement that said, "Millions of dangerous illegals are rampaging the streets. Join ICE today."
@miss.mia777 @Spotify This was gross. I dont wana be recruited while im listening to music and I DEFINITELY dont wana hear abt ICE. #spotify #ice ♬ original sound - miss.mia777
Similar claims about Spotify running ICE recruitment ads circulated on Instagram, Facebook and X (archived here, here and here). Multiple Snopes readers also searched our website to verify the claims.
According to the spokesperson, the advertising "is part of a broad campaign the US government is running" across various platforms — not just Spotify. The content complies with Spotify's advertising policies (archived), the spokesperson added.Â
Pandora, YouTube, HBO Max and Hulu were allegedly among the other platforms that
Snopes reached out to the above companies for comment. A spokesperson for Google, which owns YouTube, directed us to ICE recruitment
In our inquiry to Spotify, we asked the platform to confirm whether it was running ads for ICE and to provide additional context regarding its decision to accept such advertising. A spokesperson provided the following statement in response:
This advertisement is part of a broad campaign the US government is running across television, streaming, and online channels. The content does not violate our advertising policies. However, users can mark any ad with a thumbs up or thumbs down to help manage their ads preferences.
We also reached out to the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE, about the recruitment ads. Tricia McLaughlin, assistant DHS secretary, responded with a statement acknowledging the agency's "recruitment campaign":
The ICE recruitment campaign is a resounding success with more than 150,000 applications rolling in from patriotic Americans answering the call to defend the Homeland by helping arrest and remove the worst of the worst from our country.
Spotify also pointed us to The Trade Desk, a platform that helps advertisers place ads across websites and apps, which it said was responsible for delivering the ads in question. We've contacted The Trade Desk with questions about the advertisements and await a response.
Users share purported ICE ads running on Spotify
Spotify users
One TikTok user shared (archived) a recording of a purported ICE recruitment ad that appeared to originate from Spotify. The purported ad stated, "In too many cities, dangerous illegals walk free as police are forced to stand down. Join ICE and help us catch the worst of the worst, with bonuses up to $50,000 and generous benefits. Apply now."
Another purported ad (archived) with similar messaging that appeared to originate from Spotify also promoted bonuses of up to $50,000 and "generous benefits."
In response to a question about ICE and Border Patrol recruitment ads posed on the streaming service's online community forum, one user also wrote, "Can confirm. Just heard it. 'Fulfill your mission to protect America. Join at Join.Ice.Gov.'"