Black Celebrities Who Have Publicly Criticized ICE

Several high-profile Black celebrities have utilized their platforms to address the policies and actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). These public figures often link the struggles of the Black community with those of immigrants, advocating for human rights and systemic reform. Through social media, public demonstrations, and artistic works, they have highlighted issues such as family separation and detention conditions. Their advocacy reflects a broader commitment to social justice and intersectional activism within the entertainment industry.

Rihanna

Rihanna has been a prominent voice in the movement against restrictive immigration policies and ICE enforcement tactics. In 2019, she notably wore a T-shirt featuring the word “Immigrant” and posted it on social media to protest ICE raids conducted across the country. She also voiced her support for the rapper 21 Savage when he was detained by ICE, highlighting the agency’s treatment of individuals within the system. Rihanna’s advocacy often emphasizes her own background as an immigrant from Barbados. Her public statements continue to draw international attention to the humanitarian concerns surrounding U.S. immigration enforcement.

Cardi B

Cardi B has frequently utilized her massive social media presence to criticize the actions of ICE and the Department of Homeland Security. She has spoken out specifically against the detention of immigrants and the living conditions within ICE facilities. The artist has urged her followers to pay attention to the human rights violations occurring at the border and during domestic raids. Her commentary often highlights the intersection of race, class, and immigration status. Cardi B remains a vocal proponent for more compassionate immigration laws and the protection of DACA recipients.

Common

The rapper and actor Common has collaborated with various human rights organizations to speak out against the practices of ICE. He has participated in campaigns aimed at ending family separations and has criticized the systemic issues within the American immigration system. Common often frames the struggle for immigrant rights as a continuation of the civil rights movement. Through his music and public speaking engagements, he advocates for a policy approach that prioritizes human dignity over detention. He continues to use his platform to support legislation that would limit the scope of ICE operations.

Kerry Washington

Kerry Washington has been an active participant in the “Families Belong Together” movement, which directly opposes ICE’s family separation policies. She has used her social media platforms and public appearances to call for the closure of detention centers and the reunification of families. Washington frequently shares resources for those looking to support legal challenges against ICE enforcement actions. She has also joined other celebrities in signing open letters to the government demanding more accountability for the agency. Her activism is rooted in a broader commitment to intersectional social justice and political engagement.

John Legend

John Legend has consistently criticized ICE and donated significant funds to organizations that provide legal aid to those facing deportation. On his birthday in 2018, he and his wife, Chrissy Teigen, encouraged fans to donate to the ACLU specifically to combat the policies enforced by ICE. Legend has argued that the treatment of immigrants under the current system is a moral failure. He often speaks at rallies and events to highlight the negative impact of ICE raids on communities of color. His public advocacy focuses on the need for comprehensive immigration reform that moves away from punitive enforcement.

Vic Mensa

Chicago rapper Vic Mensa has been an outspoken critic of ICE, even incorporating these themes into his music and visual art. In his music video for ‘Camp America’ (2019), he depicted white children in a detention facility to highlight the harsh conditions faced by immigrant children under ICE custody. Mensa has publicly called for the abolishment of ICE, arguing that the agency perpetuates systemic racism and xenophobia. He frequently participates in protests and community organizing efforts aimed at protecting immigrants from deportation. His activism often bridges the gap between the Black Lives Matter movement and immigrant rights.

Yara Shahidi

Yara Shahidi is known for her activism and has used her platform to speak against the criminalization of immigrants by ICE. She has participated in various town halls and social media campaigns to educate her audience on the legal rights of immigrants facing detention. Shahidi has specifically criticized the use of surveillance and aggressive enforcement tactics in marginalized neighborhoods. She advocates for the protection of young immigrants and has urged for a more humane approach to border security. Her work often emphasizes the importance of civic engagement in changing the policies that govern ICE.

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe has frequently expressed her opposition to the policies of ICE and the detention of immigrants at the border. She has used her concert performances and social media presence to advocate for the rights of the immigrant community. Monáe participated in the “Families Belong Together” marches to protest the separation of children from their parents by federal authorities. She has argued that the fight for immigrant rights is inextricably linked to the fight for Black liberation and gender equality. Her activism emphasizes the need for empathy and systemic overhaul in how the United States manages its borders.

Share your thoughts on these celebrity activists and their impact on immigration reform in the comments.