Etsy is facing a widespread user boycott for allowing the sale of 'Alligator Alcatraz' merchandise, which critics say trivializes a controversial ICE detention center and violates the platform's own hate speech policies.
Oct 2, 2025
Source:
Fast Company
Boycott Mounts Over Controversial Merchandise
Etsy, the popular online marketplace for handmade goods, is at the center of a significant user boycott. The backlash stems from the platform's hosting of products branded with "Alligator Alcatraz," a controversial nickname for a Florida ICE detention center.
Critics argue the merchandise, which includes T-shirts, mugs, and patches, makes light of the facility's reported inhumane conditions, with coverage from outlets like The Associated Press and The Washington Post highlighting its notoriety.
Alleged Policy Violations
The core of the protest lies in Etsy's own policies. A Change.org petition with thousands of signatures points to the company's Discrimination and Hateful Content Policy, which explicitly prohibits content that promotes or glorifies hate or violence against protected groups.
The policy specifically lists "immigration status" as a protected category.
Protesters argue that merchandise trivializing a detention center violates this rule.
Images on the products range from cartoon alligators in MAGA hats to depictions of Donald Trump riding a gator.
As detailed by TechCrunch, users feel the products directly contradict Etsy's brand image as an inclusive community.
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Source:
TechCrunch
Users Organize as Company Remains Silent
The boycott has been organized and amplified across various social media platforms, turning a niche complaint into a widespread movement.
Social Media Fuels Backlash
Users on Threads, Reddit, X (formerly Twitter), and TikTok have been instrumental in spreading awareness.
Posts calling for a boycott have received tens of thousands of likes and upvotes, with many users sharing screenshots of their closed accounts or pledging to stop shopping on the platform. Some sellers have also threatened to close their shops in solidarity.
Etsy's Lack of Response
Adding to the frustration is Etsy's complete silence on the matter. The company has not issued a public statement or responded to multiple media requests for comment, according to reports. This lack of communication has been perceived by many as a failure to enforce its own community standards, further galvanizing protesters.
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Source:
Fast Company
