The National Football League has formally requested that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) remove a video featuring former safety Brian Dawkins from a social media post referencing a migrant caravan approaching the U.S. border.
On Sunday, the DHS’s verified X account reposted a report about the caravan with the caption “Our time has come” and a 39-second clip of Dawkins, a Hall of Fame player and nine-time Pro Bowl selection, delivering hard-hitting tackles. The league confirmed in an email to the Los Angeles Times that it had asked the DHS to remove the video. Dawkins told ESPN in a text message that he had not given permission for the DHS to use his footage.
Within two hours of the initial post, the DHS responded in the comments with a still image of Dawkins and the caption “The Border Is Closed.” As of early Monday, both posts remained active on the platform.
The DHS did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the L.A. Times regarding whether it had sought the NFL’s permission to use the video or its plans to comply with the league’s request. In a statement, the department referenced Dawkins’ nickname “Weapon X”, writing: “DHS is playing lockdown defense at the border. We will use every Weapon at our disposal.”
The incident has drawn attention to the use of copyrighted sports footage by government agencies in political messaging. The NFL has previously stated that explicit written consent is required to use league-related content. The DHS’s post, which included music from the band Korn, was widely shared and sparked reactions from media figures and social media users.
The Philadelphia Eagles, Dawkins’ former team, have not publicly addressed the DHS’s use of the video. Dawkins, who played for the Eagles from 1996 to 2008, is a prominent figure in the franchise’s history. The league’s request to remove the video underscores ongoing debates over the appropriation of cultural and sports figures in political contexts.