Does the Department of Homeland Security have a sense of humor, or does someone there recognize the massive popularity and reach of South Park?
Earlier this afternoon, the governmental agency, which has been arresting and incarcerating undocumented — and sometimes documented — immigrants, posted a still from the upcoming Wednesday (Aug. 6) episode of Trey Parker‘s and Matt Stone‘s wildly popular animated Comedy Central series, which features an ICE subplot, on X (formerly Twitter) topped with a link that reads “JOIN.ICE.GOV.” The link leads to a page depicting a vintage image of Uncle Sam, with the headline, “AMERICA NEEDS YOU.”
“America has been invaded by criminals and predators. We need YOU to get them out. You do not need an undergraduate degree.” Those who join, the recruitment site goes on to explain, are eligible for up to a $50,000 signing bonus, $60,000 student loan repayment and 25% premium pay, although 25% of what base pay is not revealed.
“CHOOSE YOUR MISSION” the site’s text continues, and includes photos of deportation officers, criminal investigators and other ICE positions.
Billboard has reached out to Comedy Central and the Department of Homeland Security for comment and will update if we receive responses.
Parker and Stone weighed in via the official South Park X account:
Their response is a reference to the statement released by the Trump White House after the series’ Season 27 premiere on July 23, which depicted the president with a miniscule penis and a hankering for Satan. Titled “Sermon on the ‘Mount,” the episode also tweaked Paramount’s capitulation to the administration, and ended with an internet-breaking PSA of Trump trudging across a desert, shedding his clothes and revealing all.
“This show hasn’t been relevant for over 20 years and is hanging on by a thread with uninspired ideas in a desperate attempt for attention,” read the statement. President Trump has delivered on more promises in just six months than any other president in our country’s history – and no fourth-rate show can derail President Trump’s hot streak.”
The Aug. 6 episode of South Park, titled, “Got A Nut,” is the second of the series’ 27th season. According to Comedy Central’s summary of the episode, “When Mr. Mackay loses his job, he desperately tries to find a new way to make a living.” Based on the preview below, he has chosen his mission.