Spotify claims ICE ads about "dangerous illegals" don't violate advertising policy

Spotify ads from the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) mentioning "dangerous illegals" do not violate the streaming platform's advertising policy, a spokesperson has claimed.

The streaming giant has come under fire for a series of recruitment ads currently running on its platform, encouraging US residents to become ICE agents.

The current ICE recruitment drive comes amidst allegations of human rights abuses against the federal organisation, with over 100,000 people currently in detention as a result of President Donald Trump's push to crackdown on undocumented migrants in the country.

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According to The Guardian, a report from US Senator Jon Ossoff's office published earlier this year found "at least 510 instances" of physical and sexual abuse in ICE facilities, including mistreatment of pregnant women and children.

According to Rolling Stone, the ad features a quote that reads: "You took an oath to protect and serve, to keep your family, your city, safe. But in sanctuary cities, you’re ordered to stand down while dangerous illegals walk free."

The Independent reports that the ads - which are also running on platforms such as HBO Max, Twitter, YouTube and ESPN - are offering a "sign-up bonus of $50,000" to applicants in Chicago and Seattle.

Tricia McLaughlin, a secretary for The Department for Homeland Security (DHS), claimed that the ads have been a "resounding success" with "over 175,000 applications" having been submitted so far.

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Spotify users in the US have pledged on social media to cancel their subscriptions, with one Twitter user writing: "I’ll be moving to Apple Music since Spotify has decided to allow ICE RECRUITMENT ADS. Usually I wouldn’t announce my departure, but this is just gross."

In a statement seen by The Independent, a spokesperson for Spotify claimed the ads are “part of a broad campaign the U.S. government is running across television, streaming, and online channels,” before referencing its US advertising policy.

This is despite the policy claiming to ban ads that "promote stereotypes or negatively portray or attack an individual or group on the basis of race, religion, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, veteran status, age, disability or other characteristics associated with systemic discrimination or marginalisation."

[Via: The Independent]

Megan Townsend is Mixmag's Deputy Editor, follow her on Twitter