The NFL has formally asked the Department of Homeland Security to remove a social media video that used footage of former Philadelphia Eagles safety Brian Dawkins hitting opponents to depict how immigration agents handle migrants. The video remained online as of noon ET Monday, despite the league’s request.
DHS posted the clip Sunday evening on X after another account reported that a large migrant caravan was approaching the southern border. “Our time has come,” the agency wrote, attaching a compilation of Dawkins’ most punishing on-field collisions.
Brian Dawkins Says He Never Gave Permission
Dawkins told ESPN via text that he had not authorized the agency to use his likeness or footage. “I have very respectfully not given permission,” the Hall of Fame safety wrote. He declined to comment beyond that statement.
Dawkins, widely regarded as one of the most physical defensive backs of his generation, played the bulk of his career with the Eagles before retiring in 2012. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2018. According to the NFL’s DHS video removal request, the league confirmed it asked for the post to come down but did not say whether DHS had responded.
A Pattern of NFL Footage Used in Political Posts
This is not the first time football highlights have appeared in politically charged government content. In March, the White House posted a video that mixed NFL and NCAA football hit reels with footage of airstrikes on Iranian targets. That post came days after U.S. forces destroyed an elementary school in southern Iran, an attack that Amnesty International said killed more than 100 children.
The NFL declined to say whether it had requested the removal of that earlier video. That clip also remains on the social media platform.
What Happens Next
As of Monday, neither DHS video had been taken down, leaving the NFL in the position of having made requests that the agency has so far ignored. It is unclear whether the league will escalate the matter or pursue any legal avenue over the unauthorized use of player footage. Dawkins has not indicated he plans to take further public action.
Watch the Brian Dawkins DHS video while it’s still there:
Our time has come. https://t.co/Ygzy6Qfni3 pic.twitter.com/xNFNRkAaTq
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) September 27, 2026
