US Customs and Border Protection officials on Friday arrested an illegal immigrant at the Peace Bridge in New York, but the arrest took a viral turn because of the T-shirt the man was wearing. CBP ridiculed the man on social media for wearing a shirt emblazoned with the American flag while being arrested, questioning the irony of what he was wearing at the time of the arrest.
Posting on X (previously Twitter), the federal agency wrote, “Nice shirt! But it doesn’t take away from the fact that you crossed in illegally.” The post also showed that the man has a previous criminal record, with several DUI (driving under the influence) charges and a misdemeanor assault charge.
Nice shirt! But it doesn’t erase the fact that you entered the country illegally.
CBP officers encountered this individual at the Peace Bridge in NY, he has multiple DUIs and a misdemeanor assault charge. Criminal illegal aliens have no place in the U.S. pic.twitter.com/Ldq8ElPG4W— CBP (@CBP) July 18, 2025
“These criminal illegal aliens have no business in the US,” the agency continued, restating its continued crackdown on unlawful entries, specifically those by people who have a criminal record.
White House’s Two-Track Deportation Drive
The arrest was just weeks after US President Donald Trump underscored the need to accelerate deportations. He urged tough removals, especially in major cities such as Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York.
In a Truth Social post, Trump said, “I have instructed my entire Administration to move every resource at their command to this effort.” The administration has implemented a two-track strategy: enhanced arrests and removals of criminal aliens who are here illegally, and encouraging voluntary self-deportation.
CBP Home App and Exit Incentives
To deal with undocumented migration more humanely and effectively, the federal government recently introduced the CBP Home app. The app allows migrants to inform authorities of their willingness to exit the country voluntarily, hence escaping arrest or detention.
The U.S. government is also providing logistics support, including facilitating the booking of flights. Migrants who go for voluntary departure through this avenue are also entitled to a $1,000 “exit bonus.”
Continuing Raids and Immigration Enforcement
The incident comes on the heels of a series of high-profile enforcement efforts, such as a recent raid on two Southern California marijuana farms where CBP arrested 361 illegal immigrants. These raids mark a wider federal push to make immigration enforcement a priority, particularly in instances of criminality.
As the debate over immigration policy rages on in advance of election season, such events are likely to remain in the limelight.
