Queer Celebrities Who Spoke Out Against ICE

The intersection of celebrity influence and political activism has become increasingly prominent in discussions surrounding United States immigration policy. Several high-profile queer public figures have utilized their platforms to voice significant opposition to the practices of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). These individuals have participated in protests, supported legal aid organizations, and used social media to highlight humanitarian concerns regarding detention facilities. Their advocacy often emphasizes the specific vulnerabilities faced by LGBTQ+ migrants within the enforcement system. This list explores the queer celebrities who have publicly challenged the agency and its enforcement strategies.

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe has used her platform to advocate for the rights of immigrants and the abolition of ICE. During the 2018 “Families Belong Together” march in Washington, D.C., she addressed the crowd regarding the separation of families at the border. The ‘Hidden Figures’ actress emphasized the importance of standing up against policies that she described as inhumane and unjust. Monáe continues to support various organizations that provide legal aid to those affected by immigration enforcement. Her activism often intersects with her advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights and racial justice.

Cynthia Nixon

Cynthia Nixon made headlines during her 2018 campaign for Governor of New York by calling for the abolition of ICE. She characterized the agency as a “terrorist organization” that threatens the safety and well-being of immigrant communities. The ‘Sex and the City’ star argued that the agency had strayed from its original purpose and was instead being used to traumatize families. She has consistently supported legislation that would protect undocumented individuals from federal enforcement within the state of New York. Her stance sparked significant national debate regarding the future of federal immigration policy.

George Takei

George Takei has been a vocal critic of ICE, often drawing direct comparisons between current detention centers and the Japanese American internment camps of World War II. He has used his social media presence and op-eds to highlight the psychological and physical toll of family separation policies. The ‘Star Trek’ icon argued that the lessons of history are being ignored when children are held in cages under ICE supervision. He actively supports legal challenges against the agency and promotes organizations that assist asylum seekers. His advocacy emphasizes that the protection of human rights should transcend political affiliations.

Laverne Cox

Laverne Cox has specifically spoken out against the treatment of transgender women in ICE detention facilities. She drew national attention to the case of Roxsana Hernandez, a trans woman who died while in the custody of immigration officials. The ‘Orange Is the New Black’ star has used her public appearances and social media platforms to demand better conditions and medical care for LGBTQ+ migrants. She emphasizes that trans individuals face heightened risks of violence and neglect within the immigration enforcement system. The actress continues to partner with the ACLU to advocate for systemic changes in how migrants are processed.

Indya Moore

Indya Moore is known for their staunch advocacy for the abolition of ICE and the protection of undocumented trans people. In 2019, they participated in a demonstration in New York City where they spoke about the intersections of transphobia and immigration policy. The ‘Pose’ lead has argued that ICE creates an environment of fear that prevents vulnerable populations from accessing necessary services. They frequently use their visibility in the fashion and film industries to highlight the struggles of marginalized communities at the border. Moore remains committed to grassroots activism that seeks to dismantle current immigration enforcement structures.

Jonathan Van Ness

Jonathan Van Ness has frequently criticized the humanitarian conditions in ICE detention centers via social media and public interviews. He has encouraged his followers to donate to organizations like Raices Texas, which provides legal services to immigrants. The ‘Queer Eye’ personality has specifically condemned the practice of separating children from their parents, calling it a violation of fundamental human rights. He often uses his ‘Getting Curious’ podcast to interview experts on immigration policy to educate his audience. His advocacy focuses on the need for compassionate reform and the cessation of aggressive enforcement tactics.

Sara Ramirez

Sara Ramirez has been an active voice in the movement to reform immigration policies and hold ICE accountable. They have participated in numerous rallies and signed open letters demanding the closure of detention centers. The ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ alum emphasizes the need for a humane approach to immigration that prioritizes the dignity of individuals over enforcement. They have also highlighted the specific challenges faced by queer and non-binary people who are fleeing persecution in their home countries. Ramirez’s work involves collaborating with organizations that provide direct support to those impacted by ICE actions.

Angelica Ross

Angélica Ross has utilized her platform to speak out against the systemic injustices within the immigration system. She has been particularly vocal about the dangers faced by Black and trans migrants who encounter ICE. The ‘American Horror Story’ actress has called for a shift in federal priorities toward social services rather than increased enforcement and detention. During various public speaking engagements, she has addressed the need for community-led alternatives to the current immigration framework. Her activism is rooted in the belief that all individuals deserve safety and legal protection regardless of their status.

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson has supported various initiatives that challenge the current state of immigration enforcement in the United States. She was a signatory on letters protesting the separation of families and has utilized her social media to raise awareness about the conditions in detention centers. The ‘Passing’ actress often links her advocacy for immigration reform to broader conversations about human rights and gender equality. Thompson has also supported the Families Belong Together coalition in their efforts to stop the expansion of the detention system. Her public statements emphasize the necessity of treating all migrants with compassion and legal fairness.

Billy Porter

Billy Porter has used his high-profile public appearances to condemn the actions of ICE and the treatment of migrants at the southern border. He has spoken at rallies and used his social media platforms to call for more humane immigration policies. The ‘Pose’ star highlights the intersectional struggles of LGBTQ+ immigrants who are often at higher risk of abuse while in custody. Porter has consistently urged his fans to support legal aid organizations that defend the rights of those facing deportation. His advocacy is centered on the principle that justice should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their nationality.

Please share your thoughts on the impact of celebrity activism on immigration policy in the comments.