Influencers are 'swipefishing' anti-ICE information into Instagram carousels
Influencers are increasingly burying anti-ICE sentiments just beyond the first swipe of their carousel posts on Instagram. This practice — let's call it "swipefishing," for lack of a better term — appears to be a way to dodge perceived platform suppression or lure in otherwise disengaged followers.
It’s a bait-and-switch: a post framed as one thing that ultimately reveals itself to be about ICE.
Former Bravo star Ariana Madix offers a clear example, teasing gossip before abruptly pivoting to an anti-ICE message.
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Or another similar post from nail artist Ameya Okamoto.
It's become a common practice these days among influencers and others with sizable followings.
The idea is simple: hook the audience — or trick the algorithm — with something light or apolitical, then pivot to ICE-related content starting on slide two. From there, the carousel typically delivers information about ICE: how to spot officers, allegations against the agency, ways to support protesters, which companies work with ICE, and how to contact local lawmakers. The trend functions as a kind of Trojan horse, smuggling political messaging into the familiar format of Instagram social-justice slideshows.
This isn't the first time activists have used growth hacks or engagement bait to spread their message online. Pro-Palestinian activists, for instance, have flooded TikTok comment sections with political messages in hopes of landing the coveted blue comment, which effectively serves as a hyperlink that can drive massive traffic.
Activists are becoming increasingly savvy about navigating online platforms and amplifying their causes. So the next time you swipe through an Instagram carousel, don't be surprised if the next slide isn’t what you expected.
Tim Marcin is an Associate Editor on the culture team at Mashable, where he mostly digs into the weird parts of the internet. You'll also see some coverage of memes, tech, sports, trends, and the occasional hot take. You can find him on Bluesky (sometimes), Instagram (infrequently), or eating Buffalo wings (as often as possible).
