Queer Celebrities Who Spoke Out Against ICE

More and more, celebrities are using their influence to speak out about political issues, and U.S. immigration policy is a major focus. Several well-known LGBTQ+ figures have been particularly vocal in their criticism of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). They’ve protested, donated to organizations providing legal help, and used social media to raise awareness about the difficult conditions in detention centers. Their work often highlights the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ migrants. This overview details which queer celebrities have publicly opposed ICE and its practices.

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe is a vocal advocate for immigrants’ rights and has called for the abolishment of ICE. She spoke at the 2018 “Families Belong Together” march in Washington, D.C., condemning the practice of separating families at the border and describing related policies as both inhumane and unfair. Monáe continues to support groups that offer legal help to people impacted by immigration enforcement. Her commitment to these issues often connects with her work promoting LGBTQ+ rights and racial justice.

Cynthia Nixon

I remember when Cynthia Nixon ran for Governor back in 2018, and I was really struck by how boldly she came out against ICE. She didn’t hold back, actually calling them a ‘terrorist organization’ because of the fear they were causing in immigrant communities. She felt they’d completely lost sight of their original mission and were just inflicting pain on families. She’s always been a strong advocate for protecting undocumented people here in New York, trying to shield them from federal action. It really sparked a huge conversation nationally about where we’re headed with immigration policy, and I think it was a really important thing for her to bring up.

George Takei

George Takei has consistently spoken out against ICE, frequently pointing out the similarities between today’s detention centers and the Japanese American internment camps of World War II. Through social media and articles, he’s shared how separating families harms people both mentally and physically. Takei, famous for his role in ‘Star Trek,’ believes we’re forgetting important lessons from the past when children are held in cages by ICE. He actively backs legal efforts against the agency and supports groups that help people seeking asylum. He stresses that protecting human rights should be a priority for everyone, regardless of their political views.

Laverne Cox

Laverne Cox has been a vocal advocate for transgender women held in ICE detention centers. She brought national attention to the tragic case of Roxsana Hernandez, a transgender woman who died while in immigration custody. Through her public platform and social media, Cox has called for improved conditions and healthcare for LGBTQ+ migrants, highlighting the increased dangers of violence and mistreatment they face within the immigration system. She continues to work with the ACLU to push for broader changes in how migrants are treated.

Indya Moore

Indya Moore is a dedicated activist who strongly advocates for ending ICE and protecting undocumented transgender people. In 2019, they spoke at a New York City protest, explaining how transphobia and immigration policies connect. As a lead actor on ‘Pose,’ Moore has consistently pointed out that ICE’s actions create fear, preventing vulnerable people from getting the help they need. They often use their platform in fashion and film to draw attention to the challenges faced by marginalized communities at the border, and continue to be involved in local efforts to change the current immigration system.

Jonathan Van Ness

Jonathan Van Ness has consistently spoken out against the poor conditions in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention centers, using social media and interviews to raise awareness. He encourages his fans to support groups like Raices Texas, which offers legal help to immigrants. Van Ness has been particularly critical of the practice of separating children from their parents, labeling it a basic human rights violation. Through his ‘Getting Curious’ podcast, he also interviews immigration experts to inform his listeners. His work centers on the need for kinder immigration policies and an end to harsh enforcement methods.

Sara Ramirez

As a movie lover, I’ve always admired when actors use their platform for good, and Sara Ramirez is a great example. I’ve been following their advocacy work regarding immigration reform and holding ICE accountable, and it’s really inspiring. They’ve been actively involved in rallies and petitions to close those detention centers, consistently pushing for a more compassionate system that treats everyone with dignity. What I find particularly powerful is their focus on the unique struggles of LGBTQ+ individuals seeking safety from persecution. It’s not just about policy for them; it’s about real people. They’re also working hands-on with organizations that directly help those affected by ICE, which shows a real commitment beyond just speaking out.

Angelica Ross

Angélica Ross uses her voice to fight against unfair practices in the immigration system, especially the risks faced by Black and transgender migrants when dealing with ICE. The actress, known for her role in ‘American Horror Story,’ advocates for the government to focus more on helping people through social services instead of increasing arrests and detention. She often speaks publicly about the need for community-based solutions to improve the immigration system, believing everyone deserves safety and legal rights, no matter their immigration status.

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson is a vocal advocate for immigration reform in the United States. She’s spoken out against the separation of families at the border and used her platform to highlight the difficult conditions in immigration detention centers. Thompson connects immigration rights to broader issues of human rights and equality, and has supported groups like Families Belong Together working to reduce the scale of immigration detention. She consistently calls for humane and just treatment of all migrants.

Billy Porter

Billy Porter has been vocal about his opposition to ICE and the way migrants are treated at the U.S.-Mexico border. He’s spoken out at protests and on social media, advocating for fairer immigration policies. As the star of ‘Pose,’ he especially draws attention to the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ immigrants, who are particularly vulnerable to mistreatment while detained. Porter consistently encourages his followers to support organizations providing legal help to those facing deportation, believing that everyone deserves equal access to justice, no matter where they come from.

We’d love to hear your opinion on how celebrities speaking out affects immigration policy. Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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2026-01-28 12:45