The NFL asked the Department of Homeland Security to remove a social media video featuring Hall of Fame safety Brian Dawkins used to promote immigration enforcement. League spokesman Brian McCarthy confirmed the request on Sunday, September 28, 2026, as Dawkins stated he never gave permission for his likeness to be used.
Brian Dawkins Video Sparks Federal Clash
The Trump administration utilized video clips of former Philadelphia Eagles player Brian Dawkins in a tweet posted on Sunday night, September 28, 2026. The Department of Homeland Security shared the footage in response to another post claiming without evidence that a huge migrant caravan
was approaching the border.
The disputed social media post features the longtime Eagle whispering, The time has come,
immediately followed by a montage showing Dawkins running over offensive players on the football field. The Department of Homeland Security captioned the tweet with the text, Our time has come.
League Response and Copyright Protection
League spokesman Brian McCarthy confirmed the NFL’s intervention to The Washington Post, stating, We requested DHS take down the video.
The Athletic originally broke the news regarding the league’s response to the federal agency.
The NFL maintains strict oversight over its broadcast materials. Every league broadcast starts with a direct reminder to fans that reproducing football footage without express written consent from the league remains strictly prohibited. Despite the league’s demands, the video remained active on social media as of 4 p.m. on Monday.
Player Frustration Over Unauthorized Likeness
I didn’t give permission for my name, image and likeness to be used by anybody.
Brian Dawkins, Hall of Fame safety
Dawkins voiced his objection directly on social media following the publication of the federal agency’s post. Whether focusing on border security or promoting its war in Iran, the Trump administration has frequently leaned on professional football highlight packages in its messaging campaigns.
Precedent From Previous White House Posts
This occurrence follows a similar incident earlier in the year. Back in March, the White House published a video incorporating professional football highlights interspersed directly with footage of bombings. That particular White House video remained online while the league sought the removal of the Dawkins immigration enforcement clip.
