AI Just Framed Black America

Homeland Security shared a fake video made with AI that wrongly showed Black teens as dangerous... raising big questions about truth, tech, and fairness.

Author

Dale Harris
October 21, 2025

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Good morning, BFA Fam! Stephen A. Smith praised Kyrie Irving, admitting he was right about the COVID-19 vaccine controversy. Smith commended Kyrie for standing his ground amid backlash, leaving fans stunned and social media buzzing. How do you feel about Stephen A.’s change of heart?

MAIN STORY

🔥 “FAFO” Backfires: Homeland Security Slammed for Posting Misleading TikTok of Black Youths

⚡ THE SPARK

The Department of Homeland Security is catching heat after sharing a TikTok video that turned out to be fake. The clip showed a group of Black teens “threatening” ICE agents with a $50K bounty. Turns out, the original post wasn’t about ICE at all, and might have been edited or AI-altered before DHS reposted it with the caption “FAFO.” The video racked up attention fast, but so did the backlash.

🧠 THE LAYER BELOW

  • The original TikTok was a joke aimed at Iran, not ICE, but DHS used it to warn “cowards” who “threaten law enforcement.”

  • Joy-Ann Reid called it out, saying the department “weaponized a lie” and fed a false narrative about young Black men.

  • The creator says the feds dragged him into something he didn’t do, and now he’s facing harassment.

  • DHS stands by the post, saying the video was real and not AI-edited.

  • This isn’t the first time the agency’s social media has pushed the limits, past posts have used memes, pop songs, and even art without permission.

  • The bigger story isn’t race alone, it’s how fast misinformation moves when government accounts play into it.

  • In a world where AI and authority mix, “real” doesn’t always mean true.

🎯 THE REAL QUESTION

When power meets AI and the truth gets blurred, who’s actually responsible for getting it right?

🔮 WHAT’S NEXT

This moment isn’t just about a single TikTok, it’s about how credibility works in the digital age. When official accounts chase virality over accuracy, the fallout lands on real people. Accountability online isn’t optional; it’s the new baseline.
Because if the truth can be edited, captioned, and reposted in seconds, we’d better start asking who’s holding the camera.

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😳 Joy-Ann Reid Slams DHS for Sharing Fake AI Video of Black Men Threatening ICE: ‘This Is Dangerous’

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THE FLIP SIDE

🚜 Trump’s $200M Makeover: White House East Wing Demolished to Make Room for “World’s Most Beautiful Ballroom”. The wrecking balls are swinging at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave! Crews have begun demolishing the White House East Wing to make way for Donald Trump’s $200 million, 90,000-square-foot ballroom, a project he’s called his “15-year dream.” The lavish new venue, dripping in gold chandeliers and marble floors, will host up to 650 guests. Trump insists the makeover “modernizes” history, but critics say it’s more Mar-a-Lago than presidential. One thing’s for sure, it’s peak Trump flair. (CNN)

🎤 Gucci Mane Opens Up About His Mental Health Struggles; and Sparks a Bigger Conversation for Black Men. Gucci Mane is baring it all. In his new memoir Episodes, the Atlanta rap legend reveals he’s been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, a truth that’s reshaping how fans see his past behavior. With wife Keyshia Ka’Oir by his side, Gucci shared how she helps manage his “episodes” and why he’s speaking out to break the stigma. His vulnerability sheds light on the silent battle many Black men face with mental health. (The Root)

🍎 Millions Could Lose Food Aid as Government Shutdown Freezes SNAP Benefits. The shutdown just got real, millions of Americans could lose access to food next month. States like Pennsylvania, Texas, and West Virginia are warning that SNAP benefits (aka food stamps) won’t be paid in November if Congress doesn’t reach a deal soon. With over 42 million people relying on the program, officials say funds are running out fast. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins warned, “We’re going to run out of money in two weeks.” Hunger is now on the line. (Axios)

😔 Trial Begins for Ex-Deputy Accused of Killing Sonya Massey After She Called 911 for Help. Justice for Sonya Massey is finally heading to court. Former Illinois deputy Sean Grayson faces murder charges for the 2024 killing of Massey, a 36-year-old Black mother of two who called 911 about a prowler near her Springfield home. Bodycam footage shows Grayson shooting Massey three times after she reportedly said, “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus.” The case sparked national outrage and protests demanding accountability. Grayson pleaded not guilty as jury selection began Monday in Peoria. (NBC News)

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

The Vince Staples Show | Season 2 Official Trailer

Vince Staples is bringing the chaos back! The rapper-turned-actor returns to Netflix with The Vince Staples Show Season 2, premiering Nov. 6. This time, Vince’s search for inner peace gets derailed by a haunting past and plenty of wild moments. The satirical comedy, produced by Kenya Barris and Staples himself, promises more laughs, drama, and real-life twists. Fans can expect new faces, bigger hijinks, and the same offbeat brilliance that made Season 1 a hit.

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