ICE was shredded online over its response to a 60 Minutes report it didn’t like

A post sparks backlash

The exchange began after journalist Taylor described the 60 Minutes segment and said an asylum application for Diawara gave a different account of his reasons for seeking protection in the United States. Taylor wrote that the application said he feared being killed if returned to Mali because he was gay. ICE’s official X account responded with the words “Fake & Gay!” The message spread rapidly, drawing more than three million views and thousands of comments within hours, many of them disapproving.

Critics condemn the agency

Several commenters criticized the account’s language and questioned the judgment behind using it. One person suggested the post seemed immature, while another said opposition to ICE had gained broader support.

A commenter also accused the agency of putting Diawara at risk by disclosing his sexuality. The responses highlighted concerns about the consequences of publicly discussing a person’s asylum claim and private life.

Diawara’s detention and deportation

The 60 Minutes report featured Diawara, 57, and his family. His wife and two children said they missed him and wanted him home. Diawara was detained during the summer and spent three weeks in ICE custody in Texas, where he could not speak with his wife or attorney. He was deported to Ghana on July 31, and local authorities sent him to Mali days later.

Fox News reported the following day that Diawara’s asylum application said he feared persecution in Mali because he was gay. The article quoted the application describing his gender expression and his ability in the United States to express feelings for men.