Trump Administration Tells FEMA Not to Warn of ‘Ice’ Ahead of Nationwide Storms in Case It Sparks ICE Memes

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has reportedly urged the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to avoid using the word “ice” in winter weather warnings amid the ongoing controversy surrounding federal ICE agents.

The informal directive was issued during a meeting at FEMA on Thursday, Jan. 22, according to two sources familiar with the matter, per CNN. 

Homeland Security, which oversees both FEMA and ICE, is concerned that use of the word could cause confusion and even online mockery, per the outlet.

Homeland Security officials said that phrases like “watch out for ice” could be misunderstood or even turned into memes by the general public, which DHS said would undermine efforts to keep people safe from severe weather, the sources told CNN.

FEMA staff have instead been urged to use terms like “freezing rain” in their public messaging, 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 guidance comes as two-thirds of the U.S. is preparing for severe winter weather, including significant ice accumulation.

FEMA posted a public warning about the severe weather on X the evening of Jan. 22 — and the word “ice” was not mentioned in the post.

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“Heavy snow, freezing rain & cold temps are expected across many states this weekend, which could cause damage and widespread power outages,” they wrote.

A second post shared on the platform posted on Friday, Jan. 23, also made no mention of the word.

“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 to PEOPLE, a FEMA spokesperson said that they will continue to use “accurate descriptors” in relation to 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.”

The Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’S request for comment.