Days after massive protests erupted across the United States against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids targeting undocumented immigrants, videos featuring piñatas designed to look like ICE agents are going viral on social media.
The piñatas, rooted in Latino cultural traditions, have evolved beyond their original use as containers for candy at children's parties. In recent years, they've become a form of artistic and even political expression, especially in communities impacted by immigration enforcement.
That's precisely the case with the now-viral ICE agent piñatas, which have been spotted in stores and at events in cities that have faced aggressive raids under the administration of President Donald Trump.
The videos, many of which were recorded in Los Angeles, have been widely shared and met with a mix of humor, satire, and commentary. Social media users not only applauded the creativity but also expressed interest in purchasing the piñatas—some as a form of protest, others for comic relief.
"Would you buy these?" reads a viral video posted by the Instagram account Socals, showing a storefront window with a dozen piñatas dressed in mock ICE uniforms.
The comments were swift and enthusiastic. One user replied, "Yes, of course," while another added ironically, "We must support local businesses."
In another video, posted by a TikTok user, another piñata is seen, a bit more colorful but also inspired by an ICE agent. According to the video, it was made at the Azúcar Dulcería bakery, located in the Brentwood area of Los Angeles and specializing in Mexican desserts and sweets.
This isn't the first time ICE agents have been recreated in piñatas. In 2019, during Trump's first presidency, a video went viral showing a group of children in Chicago beating on a similar piñata . In that case, it was a homemade Batman piñata offered to the children during a party organized by the Chamber of Commerce, which brought together about 25 businesses on the city's East Side.
The funds raised during the event were used to help Latino children who needed financial assistance to apply for political asylum in the United States.
