On Friday, the official government X account for the Department of Homeland Security posted an attack on a family whose children were hospitalized after being assaulted by federal agents — then quietly removed the post as it became clear the way they characterized what happened wasn't remotely true.
The post came in response to a video posted by ABC News, titled, "2 children hospitalized after federal agents deploy tear gas in Minneapolis."
"It is horrific to see radical agitators bring children to their violent riots," said the post. "PLEASE STOP ENDANGERING YOUR CHILDREN."
Independent journalist Adam Cochran laid out succinctly why DHS felt compelled to remove the post later in the day.
"DHS deleted this one because: The family was driving home and got blocked; ICE deployed flashbangs and tear gas INSIDE the car; The 6-month old child stopped breathing and had to be rushed to hospital."
"DHS did NO investigation & rushed to lie to defend the officers," he added.
This is not the first time Homeland Security officials have generated controversy with poorly-conceived social media posts. Last October, Secretary Kristi Noem promoted Trump's likely illegal strikes on civilian ships suspected of drug-running, with a picture of a completely unrelated ship.