A viral video misrepresents deportations of Kenyans and Somalis in the U.S. in 2025, containing footage from 2017. Trump’s administration recently increased deportations, but the linked video has no association with current events, as it features former reporter Betty Kyallo covering earlier deportations.
Recently, a viral video circulating on social media falsely claims that KTN News reported incidents of Kenyans and Somalis being deported from the United States in 2025. A thorough investigation reveals that this footage originates from a news broadcast in 2017, thus disproving any connections to deportations occurring in 2025.
Donald Trump ascended to his second presidential term on January 20, 2025. His administration promptly introduced stringent immigration policies, resulting in an uptick in deportations. In a congressional address, he requested additional funding for these deportation efforts, emphasizing the necessity of bolstering border security.
In Trump’s first month of the new term, data from the US Department of Homeland Security indicated that 37,660 individuals were deported, which is less than the 57,000 monthly average seen during former President Joe Biden’s administration. The stringent immigration measures have incited protests across various states in the United States.
A snippet from a KTN NEWS bulletin has been shared extensively on Facebook since February 2025, alleging it covered “DEPORTEES FROM KENYA.” The video showcases former reporter Betty Kyallo, listing individuals purportedly deported. However, concerns from the Kenyan community in the U.S. have risen, with many seeking residence in areas more accommodating to immigrants.
Despite being designated as covering deportations in 2025, the video in question is misleading. KTN News had ceased operations and consolidated with KTN Home in 2024. Moreover, Kyallo’s departure from the station in 2018 eliminates any possibility of her covering events in 2025. A reverse image search confirmed that the video was originally aired on May 12, 2017, showcasing actual deportations that occurred years prior.
This analysis clarifies that the circulated video incorrectly associates historical events with current claims. The footage reflects deportations from 2017, not the contemporary context of 2025. It reiterates the necessity for vigilance in verifying information shared on social media to prevent the dissemination of inaccuracies.
Original Source: africacheck.org
