BIPOC Celebs Who Criticized ICE

Immigration enforcement is a deeply divisive issue in the U.S., and many in the entertainment industry have strongly criticized current policies. Celebrities of color, in particular, have spoken out, as these policies often affect their communities the most. They’re using their platforms – from award shows to social media – to push for change and hold agencies like ICE accountable. This goes beyond just raising awareness; many are actively organizing protests and providing financial support for families who have been detained. This shows a growing movement of artists who are determined to speak up about human rights and fight against unfair systems.

Doechii

At the 2025 BET Awards, the rapper used her acceptance speech to strongly criticize how the government handles immigration enforcement. She specifically denounced the use of National Guard troops to control protests in Los Angeles after recent raids, calling the government’s actions a harsh attack on vulnerable communities that causes fear instead of providing security. She emphasized that Black and Latino communities are disproportionately affected by aggressive policing tactics.

Eva Longoria

Eva Longoria, an actress and producer, used TikTok to speak out against recent deportations and raids happening in Los Angeles. She strongly criticized the government’s actions, calling them both cruel and against American values, and questioned the ethics of breaking up families. Longoria highlighted that these operations were taking place in everyday locations like birthday celebrations and school graduations. In a popular video, she asked people to remember the vital role immigrant workers play in supporting many American businesses and to show them compassion.

Pedro Pascal

Pedro Pascal, known for his role in ‘The Last of Us,’ spoke out on social media to support immigrant communities who are facing more attention and potential hardship. He posted a video highlighting Los Angeles’s diverse cultures and used hashtags to encourage opposition to unfair policies. Pascal stressed that Los Angeles represents the best of the country and should be shielded from excessive federal intervention. By taking this public stand, he joined other prominent people calling for better treatment of immigrants.

Kehlani

As a critic, I’ve always admired Kehlani for being more than just a singer – she consistently uses her voice for good. Recently, she’s been particularly outspoken about the injustices happening with ICE and their operations. She didn’t just offer support, but really dug into the complexities of the situation, highlighting how it impacts multiple marginalized communities. It was powerful stuff, and she directly urged her fans to keep fighting and speaking out against these systemic issues. It’s refreshing to see an artist so actively engaged and using their platform to encourage real change.

Tyler, the Creator

The artist, known for his innovative work, publicly criticized Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in a recent Instagram post. He shared a scene from the movie ‘Paid in Full’ and directly stated his disapproval of the agency. This strong statement connected with his followers and added another voice from the hip-hop world to the conversation. Tyler has often used his art and online platforms to question those in power and advocate for young people facing hardship.

The Game

The West Coast rapper, The Game, publicly criticized the federal government’s increased presence in California. Speaking during the Los Angeles protests, he denounced the raids on local families, emphasizing the fear and disruption they caused within the community. His stance also highlighted the strong bond between Black and Brown communities as they confront ongoing systemic issues.

SZA

SZA, the popular R&B singer, recently spoke out against the White House, claiming they were trying to manipulate artists and use immigration issues to their advantage. She said the administration was deliberately trying to provoke outrage and using fear to control how people think about border security. Her comments highlight the growing frustration among performers who feel politicians are testing their influence. SZA continues to be a strong voice for honesty and openness in government.

Wanda Sykes

The popular comedian has consistently spoken out against the harsh conditions in immigration detention centers. Through her comedy and social media, she points out how ridiculous and inhumane it is to separate children from their families. She often calls attention to the double standards in political discussions, which often blame vulnerable people instead of addressing deeper problems. Sykes uses her humor to help people understand the difficult lives of undocumented immigrants.

Halle Berry

Halle Berry, the Academy Award-winning actress, has voiced her support for the movement against ICE, joining other actors in criticizing the agency. She agreed with online posts calling for a less forceful response to protesters. Berry has a history of supporting civil rights and frequently uses her public voice to promote social justice. Her support strengthens the growing number of celebrities speaking out against ICE.

Demi Lovato

The singer and actor shared their sadness about what’s happening in Los Angeles and how immigrants are being treated nationwide. In a statement, Lovato stressed that immigrants are essential to our communities and deserve respect. They spoke out against family separations and the use of fear during immigration enforcement. Lovato is known for being a strong voice for both mental health and human rights.

America Ferrera

America Ferrera, known for her role in ‘Ugly Betty,’ is a strong voice for immigrant rights and has repeatedly called for the end of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). She’s taken groups to the border to see how detention centers operate and often speaks at events and on social media to raise awareness about why people migrate. Her dedication to this cause comes from her own family history, as she is the daughter of Honduran immigrants.

Diane Guerrero

Gina Rodriguez, known for her roles in popular TV shows like ‘Orange Is the New Black’ and ‘Jane the Virgin,’ is a strong advocate for changes to immigration laws. She often speaks about her own difficult experience – her parents were deported when she was fourteen. Rodriguez believes the current system causes lasting trauma to children and breaks up families, and she’s working to create laws that will prevent others from going through the same pain.

John Legend

The award-winning artist has long used his platform to advocate for ending mass incarceration and the detention of immigrants. He’s visited detention centers and spearheaded efforts to secure the release of those held in custody. He believes money currently spent on enforcement agencies like ICE would be better used to support local communities. His work in this area stems from a strong conviction in the basic rights and dignity of all people.

Rihanna

I was so impressed when I saw Rihanna’s recent outfit – a simple T-shirt with ‘Immigrant’ on the back, but it really spoke volumes! She’s consistently used her platform to stand up against unfair treatment of people of color and those seeking refuge, and it’s amazing. She regularly highlights the issues at the border and here in the US through social media, and you can even see her values reflected in the way she builds her businesses – it’s all about inclusivity and lifting up people from every background. It’s inspiring to see her use her influence for good.

Cardi B

Cardi B, the rapper from the Bronx, is known for openly sharing her opinions on important issues, especially immigration. She often points out the positive impact immigrants have on the economy and society, frequently using Instagram Live to reach her fans. She’s been critical of the government’s choices to spend money on border walls and holding centers instead of things like healthcare and schools. Her direct and honest way of speaking helps her connect with people who might not normally follow traditional news sources.

Kendrick Sampson

Kendrick Sampson, an actor and activist, has been a prominent figure in protests advocating for police defunding and the abolishment of ICE. He actively organizes demonstrations and collaborates with local groups to support undocumented individuals. Sampson believes that the way Black and Brown people are policed is a consistent issue across all law enforcement, and he frequently encourages his fellow actors in Hollywood to become more involved in direct activism.

Tessa Thompson

Actress Tessa Thompson is a strong advocate for ending systems that unfairly target people, including strict immigration enforcement. She’s spoken out at protests and used her public voice to share the experiences of people held by immigration authorities. Thompson believes we need to rethink public safety in a way that doesn’t depend on detaining and deporting individuals, and her work on this issue is often connected to her support for the Black Lives Matter movement.

Common

Common, the rapper and actor, has been a strong advocate for releasing people from detention centers, especially during health emergencies. He’s visited prisons to connect with incarcerated individuals and share their experiences. He believes it’s wrong to criminalize immigration, arguing it unfairly impacts people of color. Common’s work aims to remind people that those caught up in the legal system are still human beings.

Alicia Keys

The Grammy winner has publicly opposed the practice of separating families at the border, signing letters and joining related campaigns. She believes immigration policies should be based on kindness and understanding, not on fear or punishment. Through her ‘Keep a Child Alive’ foundation, she also speaks out about fairness and justice in general. Her work as an activist draws attention to the emotional harm caused to children by strict border enforcement.

Rosario Dawson

Rosario Dawson is an activist who has been arrested during protests and is a strong voice against the current immigration system. She helped start Voto Latino, an organization dedicated to empowering young Hispanic voters to advocate for their communities. Dawson often speaks out about the poor treatment of people in immigration detention centers and the unfair legal processes they face. She believes that getting involved in civic life is crucial for fighting against unfair systems.

Danny Glover

Danny Glover, a long-time activist and actor, has dedicated years to the fight for human rights and has been a vocal critic of U.S. immigration policies. He believes that the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are rooted in a history of racial inequality and imperialistic practices. Glover frequently speaks to labor groups and community organizations to foster connections between workers and immigrants, advocating for a fundamental change to the immigration system that aligns with international human rights principles.

Residente

Residente, the Puerto Rican rapper and former lead singer of Calle 13, is famous for his music that tackles political issues and his dedication to activism. He’s actively involved in supporting migrants, having participated in border protests and connected with families impacted by deportation. Through his music videos and documentaries, he sheds light on the difficult journeys of people escaping violence and poverty, and highlights the common experiences and challenges faced by Latin Americans.

Bad Bunny

Bad Bunny, the globally popular singer, uses his voice to bring attention to important issues facing Puerto Rico and Latinos. He’s spoken up against unfair treatment of immigrants and disrespect towards Spanish speakers. His music often celebrates his culture and protests injustice, and he sheds light on how political choices impact real people.

Lin-Manuel Miranda

Lin-Manuel Miranda, the creator of ‘Hamilton,’ is a passionate supporter of immigrants and has encouraged the theater world to help with related causes. He released ‘Hamildrops,’ a series of songs that raised money for groups protecting immigrant rights. Miranda often points out that the U.S. was built by immigrants and that our diversity makes us stronger. His work consistently tells the stories of people searching for a better life.

Lauren Jauregui

Ally Brooke’s former bandmate, Lauren Jauregui, recently published an open letter to the President, voicing her criticism of the current administration’s immigration policies. Jauregui, who identifies as bisexual and is of Cuban-American heritage, uses her public voice to advocate for social justice issues that affect multiple groups. She has strongly condemned the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), describing them as cruel and calling for them to be held accountable for violating human rights. A key part of her activism is teaching her younger fans about the importance of understanding politics.

Camila Cabello

Camila Cabello, the singer, has spoken about her own family’s experience immigrating to help people understand the challenges faced by migrants today. She’s a strong supporter of groups that offer legal help to families at risk of being deported, believing everyone should have the opportunity to achieve their goals, no matter where they were born. She often uses her platform to show support for Dreamers and young people living in the country without documentation.

Gina Rodriguez

The actress actively uses her platform to advocate for the rights of undocumented workers and their families. She works with groups that offer scholarships and support to the Latinx community, and has publicly discussed the fear experienced by immigrant communities due to the possibility of raids. Her work aims to shift public perception towards greater acceptance and inclusion.

Wilmer Valderrama

As a film fan, I’ve always admired Esai Morales, but I’m really impressed by his work off-screen too. He’s on the board of Voto Latino and is a huge advocate for immigration reform. He’s constantly traveling, getting young Latinos registered to vote and involved in the political process. What I especially appreciate is that he’s vocal about challenging the negative way immigrants are often portrayed in the media and by politicians. He truly believes that gaining political power is the key to achieving fairness and respect for the Latino community, and I think that’s incredibly important.

Lupita Nyong’o

The Academy Award-winning actress has passionately spoken out about the difficult situation facing refugees and why it’s important to offer them help. Lupita Nyong’o partners with groups around the world to champion the rights of people forced to leave their homes. She’s been critical of rules that prevent those escaping danger and violence from finding safety. Her work on this issue is shaped by her own experiences traveling internationally and witnessing migration firsthand.

Viola Davis

Viola Davis is a strong advocate against the practice of separating children from their families at the border. She uses her platform and social media to raise awareness about injustice and push for changes in policy, particularly focusing on the harmful effects of detention and family separation on children. Davis consistently supports those who are most vulnerable and lack a voice.

Kerry Washington

Kerry Washington, known for her role in ‘Scandal,’ is a passionate political activist who has often spoken out against the Trump administration’s immigration policies. She partners with organizations like the ACLU to defend the rights of immigrants and uses her production company to create stories that highlight the experiences of underrepresented communities. Washington believes that protecting the rights of immigrants is essential to the core values of the United States.

Don Cheadle

Don Cheadle is well-known for his charity work and has publicly criticized the government’s policies regarding refugees. He actively uses Twitter to discuss and raise awareness about conditions in immigration detention centers. Cheadle believes that staying quiet when something is wrong is the same as supporting it, and he donates to groups that directly help people impacted by border control measures.

Kumail Nanjiani

The comedian and actor frequently uses humor to talk about serious problems like racism and prejudice within the immigration system. He’s shared his personal, complicated path to becoming a citizen to show how challenging the legal process can be. He speaks out against language that portrays immigrants as threats or unwanted, and instead encourages people to see the full, complex story of what it means to immigrate.

Hasan Minhaj

In his show ‘Patriot Act,’ Hasan Minhaj thoroughly investigated issues like ICE and problems within the immigration system. He used humor and in-depth reporting to reveal how detention centers are driven by profit. Minhaj argues for shutting down agencies that lack proper supervision and responsibility, and encourages viewers to look beyond surface-level news to recognize the deeper, systemic issues at play.

Padma Lakshmi

Lakshmi is a passionate activist and ACLU artist ambassador who advocates for the rights of immigrants and women. She’s shared her personal story as an immigrant with Congress, urging for fairer and more humane immigration laws. She speaks out against the practice of separating families and the poor conditions in detention centers. Through her show, ‘Taste the Nation,’ she also celebrates the important role immigrant communities play in American food culture.

Riz Ahmed

Riz Ahmed, a British-Pakistani actor and rapper, uses his art to examine the painful experiences of people forced to leave their homes and the difficulties they face with immigration policies. He speaks out against the negative portrayal of migrants and the growing trend of extreme nationalism. Ahmed envisions a world where people can move freely without being treated as criminals, and where everyone is treated with respect. Through his work, he encourages viewers and listeners to question their own assumptions about who belongs and what defines identity.

Chance the Rapper

Chance the Rapper, a Chicago-based artist, is a strong advocate for immigrants’ rights, in addition to his work on education and criminal justice issues. He’s spoken out against deporting people who have long-term ties to the U.S., and actively supports local groups that offer safe haven and legal help to undocumented immigrants. His commitment to activism comes from a deep desire to protect everyone in his community.

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe is a Black pansexual woman and a strong advocate for all marginalized groups, including undocumented immigrants. She actively supports these communities through protest and her music, which challenges unfair systems. Monáe speaks out against the government’s harsh treatment of asylum seekers and envisions a future of complete freedom, where national borders are irrelevant.

Zendaya

Zendaya, known for her role in ‘Euphoria,’ consistently uses her platform – from award show speeches to social media – to inspire her generation to make a difference. She’s a vocal supporter of the Black Lives Matter movement and often speaks out about issues like abolishing ICE, helping her followers learn about the complicated topic of immigration. Through her activism, she encourages young people to be informed and empathetic.

Jay-Z

Jay-Z, through his Team Roc organization, is suing ICE officials in Mississippi over the poor and inhumane conditions in private prisons where detainees are held. The lawsuit focuses on the lack of adequate medical care and overall neglect of those being held. By using his wealth and influence, Jay-Z is taking on legal fights that would be impossible for most people, and bringing attention to serious problems within the immigration detention system.

Meek Mill

Meek Mill has become a powerful voice for people in prison, working with Jay-Z and Team Roc to highlight their struggles. He’s a strong advocate for changes to probation and has also spoken out about how immigrants are treated while in custody. Mill believes the entire justice system – including immigration enforcement – needs a major overhaul, and his personal experiences with the law drive his commitment to fairness and reform.

Vic Mensa

The rapper, also a dedicated activist, has been actively protesting at the border, speaking out against the stationing of troops and the use of tear gas. He’s released powerful music videos showing the harsh realities of ICE raids and works with groups providing essential supplies like water to migrants traveling through the desert. His approach to activism is direct and urgent, aiming to force people to confront the humanitarian crisis happening at the border.

Questlove

Questlove, the drummer from The Roots and a filmmaker, deeply understands history and uses that knowledge to explain how today’s immigration policies connect to a long history of injustice. He leverages his public voice to share historical information that questions the reasons given for the existence of ICE. He also actively supports groups working to protect people’s rights and freedoms, bringing a thoughtful and historically informed perspective to the cause.

Selena Gomez

Selena Gomez, as the executive producer of ‘Living Undocumented’, shed light on the harsh realities faced by undocumented immigrants, bringing their stories to viewers around the world. The series follows families living with the constant fear of being deported and torn apart. Gomez has also written about the need to protect Dreamers and fix the immigration system, using her platform to give a voice to those often afraid to speak out.

Jennifer Lopez

During the Super Bowl LIV halftime show, Jennifer Lopez included children performing in structures resembling cages, a deliberate choice meant to highlight the controversial policies of detaining migrants at the border. This impactful imagery reached a massive audience and quickly led to widespread discussion about how migrant children are treated. Lopez has a long history of supporting both disaster relief efforts and political causes that help the Latino community, and her performance is now remembered as a significant protest against ICE within the world of pop culture.

Shakira

Shakira joined Jennifer Lopez at the Super Bowl and used the performance as an opportunity to showcase and celebrate Latino culture. She has spoken out about the difficult and inhumane conditions faced by immigrants at the border, and is a strong advocate for early childhood education and the well-being of children. Shakira encourages leaders to consider the human impact of their decisions.

Miguel

R&B singer Miguel uses his platform to advocate for immigrants’ rights. He’s held benefit concerts to support legal aid for immigrants and has personally visited detention centers at the border to learn about the challenges they face. He also raises awareness by wearing clothing with messages like “Keep Families Together.” Miguel’s commitment to this cause stems from his own Black and Mexican background.

Tracee Ellis Ross

Tracee Ellis Ross, known for her role in ‘Black-ish,’ uses her social media to support the work of smaller, community-based immigration groups. She highlights that immigration isn’t just a political issue—it deeply affects families and women. Ross urges her followers to contact their elected officials and push for an end to the practice of separating families. She effectively combines informative posts with requests for people to get involved in the political process.

Yara Shahidi

Yara Shahidi is a well-known young activist who connects the fight for immigrant rights with efforts to promote voting access and gender equality. She talks with politicians and other activists to find ways to address the challenges facing immigrants, believing the current system is deeply unfair and needs major changes. Shahidi motivates young people to think of themselves as part of a global community with a responsibility to care for each other.

Please share your thoughts on these celebrities’ stances in the comments.

2026-01-31 15:50