By Soyome Getachew
Claim
On December 13, 2025, an X account shared a dramatic post. It claimed ICE agents deported Meaza Mohammed and Lidetu Ayalew from Dulles International Airport. The post stated both individuals held Temporary Protected Status (TPS) in the United States.
Verdict
This claim is false. The dramatic image accompanying the post is an AI-generated fabrication, purposefully designed to mislead the public. No official records or credible news reports confirm the occurrence of such an enforcement action.
Investigation and Findings
An account named Pulp Faction with over 17.6K followers published the post on December 13, 2025. Following this event, the post gained attention due to its emotional tone as it included a striking image to support the claim. (Refer to the screenshot below for verification).
MultiFact Check (MFC) investigated the image by using AI or Not detection tools. It revealed that the image accompanying the claim was generated by Artificial Intelligence and not a real photograph (Review the visual evidence provided below).
The claim that Meaza Mohammed and Lidetu Ayalew were deported is demonstrably false and lacks any factual basis. The claim relies entirely on a sophisticated AI-generated image that depicts the individuals in a staged scene of duress, complete with cardboard signage intended to evoke a sense of fear or flight. MFC’s investigation revealed that the visual evidence exhibits significant technical inconsistencies and a lack of realism characteristic of synthetic media, confirming that the event never occurred.
Context
The issue of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and deportations went viral this month. This followed the announcement that the current U.S. government is ending protections for numerous migrants seeking refuge in the United States.
Regarding this situation, the surge in attention began earlier this year. At that time, the administration vowed to launch the “largest deportation in history.” They quickly revoked status for countries like Haiti and Venezuela. Currently, the situation has reached a fever pitch. The administration expanded its “travel ban” to 39 countries. Similarly, they also implemented strict enforcement, such as ICE arrests at airports. Furthermore, a new “self-deportation” app now offers cash bonuses for migrants voluntary leaving the country.
These combined actions have created widespread urgency and fear. Over a million people previously held legal work permits. Now, they face looming deadlines to find a new legal path or leave the country. A misleading post, which MFC verified as false, is circulating within this context.
What is Temporary Protection Status (TPS)
The U.S. government grants TPS during humanitarian crises. These include wars, disasters, or extraordinary conditions. TPS allows individuals to live and work legally in the U.S. Importantly, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) protects recipients from deportation. However, this protection remains only valid during the designation period. Besides, the U.S. government can grant Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to individuals who flee their country due to ongoing conflict, environmental disasters, or other extraordinary conditions that prevent safe return.
Role of IEC Agents
Agents have the authority to initiate deportation proceedings against individuals who are in the U.S. unlawfully or who have violated immigration laws.
Who is Lidetu Ayalew
Lidetu Ayalew is a prominent Ethiopian politician. He rose to fame as a leading opposition figure. For thirty years, Lidetu remained a central political fixture. Many people view him as a highly controversial political personality. Currently, he frequently criticizes Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government on media outlets. Furthermore, he mobilizes opposition groups within the Ethiopian diaspora.
Who is Meaza Mohammed
Meaza Mohammed is a well-known Ethiopian journalist and activist. She founded the news outlet Roha Digital Media. Additionally, she is famous for her activism. She publicly supports the Fano militants that operate in the Amhara regional states through her work.
Conclusion
The claim that Meaza Mohammed and Lidetu Ayalew were deported from Dulles International Airport by he U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents is a fabrication. Our team’s investigation revealed that the accompanying image is AI-generated, not a genuine photograph.
Furthermore, this disinformation appears designed to manipulate public sentiment through fabricated visual narratives. On top of this, no credible government agencies or journalistic outlets have corroborated the reported deportation; instead, the evidence points to a deliberate digital forgery. Hence, after reviewing all the findings, MFC rated the claim as False.
For verified information regarding immigration enforcement actions or official status updates, MFC encourages the public to consult the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Newsroom or the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) official website.
