A Minnesota activist, charged for her involvement in an anti-immigration enforcement protest at a church, has publicly released her own video footage of her arrest. This move comes in direct response to the White House posting a manipulated image online, sparking allegations of political persecution and the use of artificial intelligence to distort events.
White House Posts Manipulated Image on Social Media
On Thursday, the White House shared a picture on its X page depicting civil rights attorney Nekima Levy Armstrong crying with her hands behind her back as she was escorted by a blurred individual wearing a badge. The photo was captioned in all capital letters, stating: "Arrested far-left agitator Nekima Levy Armstrong for orchestrating church riots in Minnesota." Notably, a similar image was posted by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's account, but it showed Levy Armstrong with a neutral expression, raising questions about the authenticity and intent behind the White House's version.
Activist's Video Contradicts Official Narrative
Levy Armstrong, who was arrested alongside at least two others on Thursday for disrupting a church service where an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) official serves as a pastor, has now countered this narrative. Her video, filmed by her husband Marques Armstrong, captures the moments leading up to her arrest. In the footage, several federal agents approach her, and she is heard saying, "I'm asking you to please treat me with dignity and respect." One agent responds, "We have to put you in handcuffs," while another holds up a phone, appearing to record the interaction.
Throughout the more than seven-minute video, which shows Levy Armstrong being handcuffed and led into a government vehicle, she does not appear to cry. Instead, she engages in a dialogue with the agents, asserting, "You know that this is a significant abuse of power. Because I refuse to be silent in the face of brutality from ICE." The agent filming replies, "I'm not in here to get in a political debate," and reassures that the recording "is not going to be on Twitter" or similar platforms, adding, "We don't want to create a false narrative."
Allegations of AI Manipulation and Political Persecution
In an audio message shared with The Associated Press by Levy Armstrong's spokesperson, the activist accused the Trump administration of using AI to manipulate images of her arrest. She stated, "We are being politically persecuted for speaking out against authoritarianism, fascism and the tyranny of the Trump administration." This message was recorded on Friday morning during a call from jail with her husband. Levy Armstrong is currently out of jail, as confirmed by her attorney Jordan Kushner, who represented her in court on Thursday but declined to comment further.
The Department of Homeland Security has not immediately responded to requests for comment on these allegations. This incident highlights growing concerns over the use of technology in political discourse and the integrity of official communications.
