BIPOC Celebs Who Criticized ICE

Immigration enforcement remains one of the most polarizing topics in the United States and has drawn sharp rebuke from figures across the entertainment industry. Black, Indigenous, and People of Color within Hollywood have been particularly vocal as these policies often disproportionately impact their own communities. These celebrities have utilized their award acceptance speeches and social media followings to demand accountability from government agencies like ICE. Their advocacy goes beyond simple hashtags as many organize protests or fund legal aid for detained families. This collective resistance highlights a growing trend of artists refusing to stay silent on matters of human rights and systemic injustice.

Doechii

The rapper used her acceptance speech at the 2025 BET Awards to deliver a powerful message against immigration enforcement tactics. She condemned the deployment of National Guard troops to quell protests in Los Angeles following a series of raids. Doechii described the government response as a ruthless attack on oppressed communities that creates fear rather than safety. Her speech specifically highlighted the struggles of Black and Latino groups who often face the brunt of militarized policing.

Eva Longoria

This actress and producer took to TikTok to express her outrage regarding mass deportations and raids in Los Angeles. Longoria labeled the government’s actions as inhumane and un-American while questioning the morality of separating families. She noted that these enforcement operations were occurring in community spaces like birthday parties and elementary graduations. Her viral video urged viewers to have compassion for the immigrant labor force that sustains many American industries.

Pedro Pascal

The ‘The Last of Us’ star utilized his social media platform to voice solidarity with immigrant communities facing increased scrutiny. Pascal shared a video celebrating the cultural diversity of Los Angeles and used hashtags calling for resistance against oppressive policies. He emphasized that the city was built by the best of the United States and deserves protection from federal overreach. His public stance aligned him with other high-profile figures demanding more humane treatment for non-citizens.

Kehlani

Singer Kehlani has consistently used her platform to advocate for social justice and recently spoke out against ICE operations. She posted messages of support for the resistance movement and criticized the heavy-handed tactics used against protesters. Her commentary focused on the intersectionality of the issue and how it affects various marginalized groups. Kehlani encouraged her followers to remain active and vocal in their opposition to systemic injustice.

Tyler, the Creator

The artist known for his bold creativity shared a blunt message on Instagram regarding the immigration enforcement agency. He posted a clip from the film ‘Paid in Full’ alongside a caption that explicitly expressed his disdain for ICE. This direct condemnation resonated with his fanbase and added a significant voice from the hip-hop community to the discourse. Tyler has frequently used his art and social media presence to challenge authority and support marginalized youth.

The Game

This West Coast rapper joined the chorus of voices criticizing the presence of federal agents in California. He spoke out during the height of the protests in Los Angeles to condemn the raids targeting local families. The Game highlighted the disruption caused to the community and the fear instigated by the sudden increase in enforcement activity. His involvement underscored the unity between Black and Brown communities in facing systemic challenges.

SZA

R&B superstar SZA publicly criticized the White House for what she perceived as manipulative tactics involving artists and immigration policy. She accused the administration of rage-baiting and using fear to control the narrative around border enforcement. Her comments shed light on the frustration felt by many entertainers who feel their influence is being tested by political maneuvering. SZA remains a vocal advocate for truth and transparency in government dealings.

Wanda Sykes

The celebrated comedian has been an outspoken critic of the cruelty often associated with immigration detention centers. Sykes has used her stand-up routines and social media to call out the absurdity and inhumanity of separating children from their parents. She frequently highlights the hypocrisy in political rhetoric that targets vulnerable populations while ignoring systemic issues. Her sharp wit serves as a tool to educate audiences about the realities faced by undocumented immigrants.

Halle Berry

Oscar-winning actress Halle Berry showed her support for the anti-ICE movement by publicly aligning with other actors who condemned the agency. She responded positively to social media posts that called for an end to the militarized response against protesters. Berry has long been an advocate for civil rights and often uses her platform to amplify messages of social justice. Her endorsement of the resistance added significant weight to the growing celebrity coalition.

Demi Lovato

This singer and actor expressed heartbreak over the situation in Los Angeles and the treatment of immigrants across the country. Lovato released a statement emphasizing that immigrants are a vital part of the community fabric and deserve dignity. She criticized the separation of families and the fear-mongering tactics employed during raids. Lovato has a history of advocating for mental health and human rights causes.

America Ferrera

The ‘Ugly Betty’ star has been a tireless advocate for immigrant rights and has frequently called for the abolition of ICE. Ferrera has organized delegations to the border to witness the conditions of detention facilities firsthand. She often speaks at rallies and uses her social media to educate the public about the root causes of migration. Her activism is deeply personal and rooted in her own experiences as the daughter of Honduran immigrants.

Diane Guerrero

Known for her roles in ‘Orange Is the New Black’ and ‘Jane the Virgin’, Guerrero is a leading voice in immigration reform. She has shared her traumatic personal story of her parents being deported when she was just fourteen years old. Guerrero argues that the current enforcement system traumatizes children and destroys family units. She continues to push for legislative changes that would prevent others from enduring similar hardships.

John Legend

The EGOT winner has consistently used his music and public appearances to campaign for the end of mass incarceration and immigrant detention. Legend has visited detention centers and famously launched a campaign to free immigrants from custody. He argues that the funding used for enforcement agencies like ICE should be redirected to community support services. His advocacy is grounded in a belief in universal human dignity and civil rights.

Rihanna

The global superstar made a bold fashion statement by wearing a T-shirt with the word ‘Immigrant’ on the back to send a clear message. Rihanna has repeatedly called out policies that discriminate against people of color and refugees. She uses her massive social media following to draw attention to injustices occurring at the border and within the United States. Her business ventures also reflect her commitment to inclusivity and empowerment for all backgrounds.

Cardi B

This Bronx-born rapper is never afraid to speak her mind on political issues and has frequently criticized strict immigration policies. Cardi B has used her Instagram Live sessions to explain the economic and social contributions of immigrants to her followers. She has slammed the government for spending money on walls and detention rather than healthcare or education. Her raw and unfiltered commentary often reaches audiences that traditional news outlets miss.

Kendrick Sampson

Actor and activist Kendrick Sampson has been on the front lines of protests calling for the defunding of police and the abolition of ICE. He organizes demonstrations and works with grassroots organizations to protect undocumented community members. Sampson argues that the policing of black and brown bodies is interconnected across all law enforcement agencies. He consistently challenges his peers in Hollywood to take more direct action.

Tessa Thompson

The ‘Creed’ actress is a vocal supporter of the movement to dismantle oppressive systems including immigration enforcement. Thompson has participated in rallies and used her platform to amplify the stories of those detained by the agency. She advocates for a reimagining of public safety that does not rely on detention and deportation. Her activism often intersects with her support for the Black Lives Matter movement.

Common

Rapper and actor Common has lent his voice to campaigns demanding the release of detainees during health crises. He has visited facilities to meet with incarcerated individuals and hear their stories directly. Common argues that the criminalization of migration is a moral failure that disproportionately affects people of color. His work focuses on humanizing those who have been marginalized by the legal system.

Alicia Keys

The Grammy-winning artist has signed open letters and participated in campaigns condemning the separation of families at the border. Keys advocates for love and compassion as the guiding principles for immigration policy rather than fear and punishment. She has used her ‘Keep a Child Alive’ foundation to discuss broader issues of equity and justice. Her activism highlights the trauma inflicted on children by aggressive enforcement tactics.

Rosario Dawson

Dawson has been arrested while protesting for various causes and is a staunch critic of the current immigration system. She co-founded Voto Latino to empower young Hispanic voters to change policies that harm their communities. Dawson frequently speaks out against the dehumanizing conditions in detention centers and the lack of due process. She encourages civic engagement as a primary tool to fight against systemic oppression.

Danny Glover

A veteran activist and actor, Glover has spent decades fighting for human rights and has strongly criticized U.S. immigration policies. He views the actions of ICE as part of a larger history of racial injustice and imperialism. Glover often speaks at labor unions and community gatherings to build solidarity between workers and immigrants. He calls for a complete overhaul of the system to respect international human rights standards.

Residente

The Puerto Rican rapper and former Calle 13 frontman is known for his politically charged lyrics and activism. Residente has joined protests at the border and met with families affected by deportation policies. He uses his music videos and documentary work to expose the hardships faced by migrants fleeing violence and poverty. His advocacy emphasizes the shared history and struggles of Latin American people.

Bad Bunny

Global music sensation Bad Bunny has used his platform to highlight social issues affecting Puerto Rico and the broader Latino community. He has spoken out against the mistreatment of immigrants and the lack of respect shown to Spanish-speaking populations. His music often includes themes of resistance and pride in his heritage. He directs attention to the human cost of political decisions made in Washington.

Lin-Manuel Miranda

The creator of ‘Hamilton’ has been a vocal advocate for immigrants and has mobilized the theatre community to support relevant causes. Miranda released the ‘Hamildrops’ series which included songs raising funds for organizations protecting immigrant rights. He frequently reminds the public that the United States was founded by immigrants and that diversity is a strength. His work consistently centers the narratives of those seeking a better life.

Lauren Jauregui

The former Fifth Harmony member published an open letter addressed to the President criticizing the administration’s stance on immigration. Jauregui identifies as a bisexual Cuban-American and uses her platform to fight for intersectional justice. She has called the actions of ICE cruel and demanded accountability for human rights violations. Her activism involves educating her young fanbase about the importance of political literacy.

Camila Cabello

Singer Camila Cabello has shared her own story of crossing the border with her mother to build empathy for today’s migrants. She actively supports organizations that provide legal aid to families facing deportation. Cabello argues that everyone deserves a chance to pursue their dreams regardless of their place of birth. She frequently dedicates performances to Dreamers and undocumented youth.

Gina Rodriguez

The actress has used her visibility to campaign for the rights of undocumented workers and their families. Rodriguez partners with organizations that provide scholarships and support to the Latinx community. She has spoken about the fear that permeates immigrant communities due to the threat of raids. Her advocacy focuses on changing the cultural narrative to one of acceptance and inclusion.

Wilmer Valderrama

Valderrama serves as a board member for Voto Latino and actively campaigns for immigration reform. He travels the country to encourage voter registration and civic participation among young Latinos. The actor speaks out against the villainization of immigrants in media and politics. He believes that political power is the only way to ensure fair treatment for his community.

Lupita Nyong’o

The Academy Award winner has spoken eloquently about the plight of refugees and the importance of welcoming those in need. Nyong’o works with various international organizations to advocate for the rights of displaced people. She has criticized policies that close doors to those fleeing persecution and violence. Her advocacy is informed by her own international background and observations of global migration.

Viola Davis

Davis has lent her voice to the “Families Belong Together” campaign which opposed the separation of children at the border. The acclaimed actress uses her social media to share stories of injustice and call for immediate policy changes. She highlights the psychological damage inflicted on children by detention and family separation. Davis consistently stands on the side of the vulnerable and disenfranchised.

Kerry Washington

The ‘Scandal’ star is deeply involved in political activism and has frequently criticized the Trump administration’s immigration policies. Washington works with the ACLU and other civil liberties groups to protect the rights of non-citizens. She uses her production company to tell stories that humanize marginalized groups. Her advocacy stresses that the fight for immigrant rights is a fight for the soul of the nation.

Don Cheadle

Cheadle is known for his humanitarian work and has been a vocal critic of the administration’s treatment of refugees. He has used his Twitter account to engage in debates and share information about the realities of ICE detention. The actor argues that silence in the face of injustice is complicity. He supports organizations that provide direct aid to those affected by border enforcement.

Kumail Nanjiani

The comedian and actor often uses humor to address the serious issues of racism and xenophobia in the immigration system. Nanjiani has shared his own complex journey to citizenship to highlight the difficulties of the legal process. He criticizes the rhetoric that labels immigrants as dangerous or undesirable. His work promotes a more nuanced understanding of the immigrant experience.

Hasan Minhaj

Through his show ‘Patriot Act’, Minhaj has delivered deep dives into the operations of ICE and the flaws in the immigration system. He combines comedy with investigative journalism to expose the profit motives behind detention centers. Minhaj advocates for the dismantling of agencies that operate with little oversight or accountability. He urges his audience to look beyond the headlines and understand the systemic cruelty involved.

Padma Lakshmi

As an ACLU artist ambassador for immigrants’ rights and women’s rights, Lakshmi is a dedicated activist. She has testified before Congress about her own experience as an immigrant and the need for compassionate reform. Lakshmi is a vocal critic of the family separation policy and the conditions in detention facilities. She uses her show ‘Taste the Nation’ to highlight the essential contributions of immigrant food cultures.

Riz Ahmed

The British-Pakistani actor and rapper has created albums and films that explore the trauma of displacement and the hostility of border control. Ahmed criticizes the demonization of migrants and the rise of nationalist rhetoric. He advocates for a world where movement is not criminalized and dignity is upheld for all. His work challenges audiences to confront their own biases regarding identity and belonging.

Chance the Rapper

This Chicago artist has championed the rights of immigrants alongside his work for education and criminal justice reform. Chance has criticized the deportation of individuals who have lived in the U.S. for most of their lives. He supports local organizations that provide sanctuary and legal defense for undocumented residents. His activism is rooted in a desire to protect all members of his community.

Janelle Monáe

Monáe identifies as a pansexual Black woman who stands in solidarity with all marginalized peoples including undocumented immigrants. She has participated in marches and released music that calls for the dismantling of oppressive institutions. Monáe criticizes the government’s use of force against those seeking asylum. Her artistic vision imagines a future where freedom is absolute and borders do not define humanity.

Zendaya

The ‘Euphoria’ star has used her acceptance speeches and social media to remind her generation of their power to effect change. Zendaya supports the Black Lives Matter movement which often intersects with calls to abolish ICE. She shares resources and information to help her fans understand the complexities of the immigration debate. Her advocacy encourages young people to stay informed and compassionate.

Jay-Z

Through his philanthropic arm Team Roc, the hip-hop mogul filed a lawsuit against ICE officials in Mississippi. The legal action highlighted the inhumane conditions and lack of medical care provided to detainees in private prisons. Jay-Z uses his immense resources to fight legal battles that many cannot afford. His efforts have shed light on the systemic neglect within the detention system.

Meek Mill

Collaborating with Jay-Z and Team Roc, Meek Mill has been instrumental in drawing attention to the plight of incarcerated individuals. He advocates for probation reform and has extended his critique to the treatment of immigrants in custody. Meek Mill argues that the entire justice system, including immigration enforcement, is in need of radical transformation. His own experiences with the legal system fuel his passion for justice.

Vic Mensa

The rapper and activist has been on the ground at the border to protest the deployment of troops and the use of tear gas. Mensa has released music videos that graphically depict the cruelty of ICE raids. He works directly with organizations that provide water and aid to migrants crossing the desert. His activism is confrontational and demands immediate attention to the humanitarian crisis.

Questlove

The Roots drummer and filmmaker is a student of history who contextualizes current immigration policies within a legacy of oppression. Questlove uses his platform to share historical facts that challenge the narratives used to justify ICE’s existence. He supports various social justice initiatives that aim to protect civil liberties. His voice adds an intellectual and historical weight to the movement.

Selena Gomez

As the executive producer of the documentary series ‘Living Undocumented’, Gomez brought the terrifying reality of ICE to a global audience. The series follows real families as they navigate the constant threat of deportation and separation. Gomez has penned essays calling for the protection of Dreamers and the reform of the immigration system. She uses her position to amplify the voices of those who are often silenced by fear.

Jennifer Lopez

During the Super Bowl LIV halftime show, Lopez featured children singing in cage-like structures to critique border detention policies. This powerful visual statement was broadcast to millions and sparked widespread conversation about the treatment of migrant children. She has consistently supported disaster relief and political causes that benefit the Latino community. Her performance remains one of the most visible protests against ICE in pop culture history.

Shakira

Performing alongside Lopez at the Super Bowl, Shakira also used the moment to celebrate Latino culture and unity. She has explicitly stated in interviews that the treatment of immigrants at the border is difficult to watch and inhumane. Shakira advocates for early childhood development and argues that every child deserves safety and education. She urges political leaders to remember the human cost of their policy decisions.

Miguel

The R&B singer has headlined concerts to raise money for legal defense funds for immigrants. Miguel has visited detention centers near the border to speak with detainees and witness conditions himself. He frequently wears clothing with slogans like “Keep Families Together” to keep the issue in the public eye. His activism is driven by his own Black and Mexican heritage.

Tracee Ellis Ross

The ‘Black-ish’ actress uses her social media channels to amplify the calls for action from grassroots immigration organizations. Ross advocates for the intersectional understanding that immigration issues are also women’s issues and family issues. She encourages her followers to call their representatives and demand the end of family separations. Her approach combines education with direct calls to civic engagement.

Yara Shahidi

Shahidi is a prominent young activist who integrates her support for immigrant rights with her work on voting and gender equity. She engages in conversations with political leaders and activists to explore solutions to the immigration crisis. Shahidi argues that the current system is fundamentally unjust and requires a complete overhaul. She inspires a younger generation to see themselves as global citizens responsible for one another.

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