A new wave of digital activism is unfolding within popular online games like Fortnite and Grand Theft Auto, where organizers are staging simulated ICE raids to educate players about their rights and raise awareness about immigration enforcement tactics. The group, New Save Collective, composed of a dozen gamers with activism experience, is using these platforms to counter the growing presence of government agencies appropriating gaming culture for recruitment and messaging.
Government Co-opting Gaming Spaces
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has openly embraced gaming spaces as recruitment and outreach tools. In October, the agency posted imagery mimicking Halo ‘s marketing campaign, tweeting “Finishing this fight” alongside a graphic referencing the game’s tagline. They also adapted Pokémon’s “gotta catch ’em all” slogan, featuring footage of ICE agents conducting raids. DHS has explicitly stated its intent to “reach people where they are with content they can relate to,” regardless of the medium.
This strategy echoes past instances of extremist movements like Gamergate exploiting gaming communities for ideological propagation. However, New Save Collective aims to build a supportive online environment that promotes education and empowerment rather than toxicity.
Simulated Raids and Educational Scavenger Hunts
On November 20, the collective hosted a “special event” in Grand Theft Auto 5, simulating real-life ICE raids where players role-played interactions with agents. On November 21, they planned a closed scavenger hunt within Fortnite as a more accessible educational initiative. These events are designed to teach participants about their rights as bystanders, citizens, and non-citizens when facing ICE encounters.
One organizer, PitaBreadFace, explained that the group’s goal is to foster a sense of belonging while mobilizing action. “The right has built strong institutions within gaming,” PitaBreadFace said. “The actual demographic and culture of gaming is changing, but we haven’t built as many institutions.”
Bridging Gaming and Activism
New Save Collective is partnering with immigration advocacy groups like Define American to amplify their message. Shauna Siggelkow, vice president of programs at Define American, emphasizes the need to shift public discourse on immigration. “In order for politics to change around immigration, we first need to change the public discourse,” Siggelkow stated. “It’s really important that we all understand our rights and practice those rights when we’re confronted by ICE.”
The activists recognize that gaming spaces are increasingly becoming protest grounds. Players have staged rallies in games like Roblox, demonstrating the potential for digital activism. By leveraging these platforms, New Save Collective aims to meet audiences where they are and counter disinformation campaigns.
A Growing Trend
This movement reflects a broader trend of political activism migrating into gaming environments. The success of these initiatives depends on building resilient communities and resisting attempts to infiltrate or disrupt them. New Save Collective’s future plans include continued events and organizing efforts, recognizing that the fight for these spaces is far from over.
These gaming-based initiatives represent a new frontier in digital activism, turning virtual worlds into classrooms and protest grounds. The fight to shape the narrative around immigration is now extending into the very spaces where millions gather for entertainment.
