The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has reportedly urged the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to steer clear of the word “ice” in winter weather warnings as controversy swirls around federal ICE agents.
The informal guidance was shared during a meeting at FEMA on Thursday, Jan. 22, according to two sources familiar with the matter, per CNN.
DHS — which oversees both FEMA and ICE — is said to be concerned that using the word “ice” in public alerts could spark confusion or invite online mockery.
According to the sources, DHS officials argued that phrases like “watch out for ice” could be misread by the public or quickly turned into memes, potentially undercutting the agency’s efforts to keep people safe during dangerous weather.
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Instead, FEMA staff have reportedly been encouraged to use clearer alternatives such as “freezing rain” when issuing warnings, the sources said.
“I think it’s a dangerous precedent to set. If we can’t use clear language to help prepare Americans, then people may be left vulnerable and could suffer,” one of the sources told CNN.
The reported directive comes as roughly two-thirds of the U.S. braces for severe winter conditions, including the possibility of significant ice accumulation.
On the evening of Jan. 22, FEMA posted a public warning on X — and notably avoided using the word “ice.”
“Heavy snow, freezing rain & cold temps are expected across many states this weekend, which could cause damage and widespread power outages,” FEMA wrote.
A second post shared Friday, Jan. 23, also avoided the term.
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“A major winter storm is expected to bring heavy snow, freezing rain and dangerous cold across much of the U.S., creating risks for travel, power and safety,” FEMA wrote.
In a statement, a FEMA spokesperson said the agency will continue using “accurate descriptors” in public messaging.
“ ‘Reporting’ like this reads like a desperate ploy for clickbait rather than real journalism that actually gives Americans disaster preparedness information that could save lives,” the statement said. “FEMA will use correct and accurate descriptors of weather conditions to communicate clearly to the American people.”
DHS did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
