ATLANTA, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 19, 2025: Joey Valence of Joey Valence & Brae performs at the Shaky Knees Music Festival’s opening day at Piedmont Park, Atlanta. (Photo: Terence Rushin/Getty Images)

On Thursday, December 4, the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released a video promoting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), featuring the popular track “HOOLIGANG” by Joey Valence & Brae.

The clip shows multiple ICE agents in action at their New York facility in Buffalo, alongside images of armoured vehicles carrying additional agents. The video concludes with a blank screen displaying the DHS seal and ICE’s official website, join.ice.gov. The DHS caption reads: “This winter, the forecast calls for ICE.”

Following the video’s release, the soundtrack creators expressed displeasure. Joey Valence stated that the music “was used without our knowledge or consent to promote I.C.E.” He clarified that the DHS video does not reflect his personal views and that he is taking steps to remove it.

Joey Valence, born Joseph Bertolino, is a Pennsylvania-based hip-hop artist. He is part of the punk rap duo JVB, also known as Joey Valence & Brae. “Brae” refers to Braedan Lugue. Lugue and Bertolino met at Pennsylvania State University, became friends, and quickly started making music together. Their debut track, “Crank It Up,” was released in 2021. JVB is signed with RCA Records.

To date, Joey Valence & Brae have released three albums. The latest album, “Hyperyouth,” was released on 15 August, 2025.