Activists are leveraging the popular video game Fortnite to combat ICE raids. On November 20, a group of gamers known as the New Save Collective organized a special event within the game, simulating real-life ICE raids. This initiative aims to educate gamers and raise awareness about their rights when interacting with ICE. The collective, comprising activists and organizers, plans to host a scavenger hunt in Fortnite on November 21, providing a casual yet informative experience for players. The group collaborates with immigration advocacy organizations and content creators to spread their message online.
Online gaming platforms have become a battleground for political ideologies, with the right utilizing them to promote conservative or extremist views. The US military has also employed games for recruitment, and immigration authorities are not exempt from this trend. The Department of Homeland Security has been spotted using game imagery and slogans to recruit, sparking controversy. In contrast, the New Save Collective strives to foster a kind and authentic community, encouraging gamers to unite through their shared passion for gaming.
The organizers, many of whom are immigrants or children of immigrants, aim to cultivate a sense of belonging and shared purpose. They started digital organizing in gaming spaces to counter the right's strong institutions and toxic forces, such as Gamergate. Games like Roblox have been used for protests, including anti-ICE demonstrations. Fortnite and Grand Theft Auto, with their role-playing features, offer an ideal setting for the collective's events, allowing players to experience ICE interactions and understand their rights.
The scavenger hunt in Fortnite will educate gamers about community building and addressing xenophobia online. Organizers have already encountered individuals posing as ICE agents to spread misinformation. Games like Halo and first-person shooters already promote 'protecting the homeland,' which the ICE has exploited. The collective aims to reach a broader audience and ensure that their message is conveyed in these spaces.
Collaborating with Define American, an organization focused on media representation of immigrants, the New Save Collective plans to continue organizing gamers and holding events. They believe that changing public discourse is crucial for political change regarding immigration, emphasizing the importance of understanding and exercising rights when confronted by ICE.
