A Utah license plate reading “DEPORTM” is drawing sharp criticism after it went viral on social media, igniting a public outcry over its offensive message. The controversy began when high school teacher Matt Pacenza posted a photo of the plate on Twitter, asking how something so blatantly xenophobic could have been approved.

Many online users agreed, slamming the plate as discriminatory and demanding answers from state officials.

The Utah Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) confirmed that the personalized plate was issued back in 2015, despite rules clearly banning language that could be considered derogatory or offensive. DMV spokesperson Tammy Kikuchi admitted the plate should never have been approved and called it a mistake, sparking renewed questions about the state’s vetting process.

Lawmakers from both parties were quick to respond. Republican State Senator Daniel Thatcher and Democratic State Senator Luz Escamilla both condemned the plate, calling for stronger oversight to ensure similar incidents don’t happen again.

“This should have never made it onto the road,” said Sen. Escamilla. “Messages that fuel hate or division have no place on a government-issued plate.”

The DMV says it is now reviewing the case and may revoke the plate.

This incident is the latest example of growing concerns around how states monitor personalized plates, and how some slip through the cracks despite existing safeguards.