Get Off Our Roads, Mr Singh: Trump Admin Poster Targets Indian Truckers

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has triggered a backlash with an AI generated poster targeting undocumented commercial drivers, featuring the message, “America for Americans. Get off our roads; you don't know how to drive, Mr Singh.” The campaign was posted on the DHS account on X on September 9 as part of the Trump administration’s broader immigration crackdown.

Designed like a movie poster, the graphic is titled ‘Transformers: Age of Deportations’ and shows an AI generated Transformer carrying a DHS insignia facing a brown bearded man wearing a head covering. It also tells undocumented drivers to “self deport or find out” and provides a federal hotline for reporting what DHS calls “illegal aliens on American roads.”

The use of the surname “Singh” has drawn particular criticism because of the large Sikh and Indian American presence in the US trucking industry. Sikh advocacy groups have accused DHS of reinforcing racial stereotypes and portraying Sikhs as outsiders. Industry groups cited by Indian media have estimated that Sikh drivers make up a significant share of US long haul truck drivers.

The Hindu American Foundation also condemned the post, calling it “racist, un-American” and “anti-Indian profiling/trolling”. The organisation said the message went beyond political campaigning and called for an investigation. It also tagged Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K Dhillon and FBI Director Kash Patel.

The Sikh Coalition said the campaign was another example of Sikhs being targeted because of their appearance. “Millions of Sikhs in the United States have the last name Singh, which means lion,” the group said, adding that Sikhs remain fearless even when portrayed as enemies by their government.

Sikh American journalist and news anchor Alec Nolan also called the post “racist and demeaning” to people with the surname Singh. He pointed to his own family history, saying his grandfather worked as a truck driver after his family came to the US from India.

DHS has also used other Transformers characters in its campaign. A related video features Megatron seeking the release of truck drivers Harjinder Singh, Rajinder Kumar, Bekzhan Beishekeev, Akhror Bozorov and Jasveer Singh, whom DHS links to road accidents and other crimes. Another post says the department will “defend Americanism” against those approaching the US with “hostile intent”.

The controversy comes as the administration promotes CBP Home, a programme allowing eligible undocumented migrants to voluntarily leave the US. DHS says participants can receive travel assistance and an $2,600 exit bonus for self deportation.