Black Celebrities Who Have Publicly Criticized ICE

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As a movie critic, I’ve been noticing a really powerful trend: more and more Black celebrities are speaking out against ICE’s policies. It’s not just about taking a stand, though; they’re brilliantly connecting the fights for Black liberation with the struggles of immigrant communities. They’re using everything at their disposal – Twitter, protests, even their art – to shine a light on the heartbreaking realities of family separation and the awful conditions in detention centers. It’s incredibly moving to see this level of commitment to social justice, and it feels like a real shift in how we see activism within the entertainment world. It’s not just about being a celebrity; it’s about using that platform to demand systemic change, and it’s something I deeply respect.

Rihanna

Rihanna has consistently spoken out against strict immigration policies and the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). In 2019, she protested ICE raids by wearing a shirt with the word “Immigrant” and sharing a photo online. She also publicly supported rapper 21 Savage when he was detained by ICE, criticizing how the agency treats people. Rihanna often points to her own experiences as an immigrant from Barbados when advocating for change. Her outspokenness continues to bring global attention to the human rights issues related to U.S. immigration enforcement.

Cardi B

Cardi B often uses her large social media following to speak out against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Homeland Security. She’s particularly critical of how immigrants are detained and the conditions in ICE facilities. Cardi B encourages her fans to recognize the human rights issues happening at the border and during raids within the country, often pointing out how race, economic status, and immigration status all connect. She continues to advocate for fairer immigration laws and support for those covered by DACA.

Common

Common, the rapper and actor, has been working with human rights groups to protest the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He’s been involved in efforts to stop families from being separated and has spoken out about the problems within the U.S. immigration system. Common often connects the fight for immigrant rights to the history of the civil rights movement. He uses his music and public appearances to push for immigration policies that focus on treating people with respect, rather than simply detaining them. He consistently uses his influence to support laws that would reduce ICE’s power.

Kerry Washington

Kerry Washington is a strong advocate against ICE’s policies of separating families. She’s used her platform – including social media and public speaking – to push for the closing of detention centers and to help reunite families. Washington often shares information about legal efforts challenging ICE’s actions and has joined other public figures in calling on the government to hold the agency accountable. This work stems from her deep commitment to broader social justice issues and getting involved in politics.

John Legend

John Legend has been a vocal critic of ICE and has given substantial financial support to groups helping people fight deportation. In 2018, for his birthday, he and his wife, Chrissy Teigen, asked fans to donate to the ACLU to oppose ICE policies. Legend believes the current system’s treatment of immigrants is morally wrong. He frequently speaks at events and protests, drawing attention to how ICE raids negatively affect communities of color. His public work centers on the need for a complete overhaul of immigration laws, moving away from harsh enforcement tactics.

Vic Mensa

Chicago rapper Vic Mensa is a vocal opponent of ICE, and often addresses the issue in his music and artwork. For example, his 2019 music video for ‘Camp America’ showed white children in a detention center to draw attention to the difficult conditions faced by immigrant children held by ICE. Mensa has publicly advocated for abolishing ICE, believing the agency promotes racism and prejudice against people from other countries. He’s also actively involved in protests and community work to help protect immigrants from being deported, and often connects the fight for Black lives with the struggle for immigrant rights.

Yara Shahidi

Yara Shahidi is a dedicated activist who speaks out against ICE’s treatment of immigrants. She uses her voice to raise awareness about their legal rights, participating in events and online campaigns to educate people. Shahidi has been particularly critical of ICE’s surveillance and harsh tactics in vulnerable communities. She champions the rights of young immigrants and calls for a fairer, more compassionate approach to border security, believing that public involvement is key to changing ICE policies.

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe is a vocal critic of ICE policies and the detention of immigrants. She uses her platform, including concerts and social media, to support immigrant rights and has participated in protests like the “Families Belong Together” marches against the separation of children from their parents. Monáe believes the struggle for immigrant rights is closely connected to the fights for Black liberation and gender equality, and she stresses the importance of both compassion and fundamental changes to the U.S. immigration system.

We’d love to hear your opinions on celebrities who speak out about immigration issues and how effective you think their efforts are. Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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2026-01-28 01:45