Lady Gaga Calls Out Ice During Tokyo Show as She Speaks on Americans Being Targeted
Lady Gaga used her massive platform at the Tokyo Dome on January 29, to deliver a scathing critique of recent immigration enforcement actions in the United States. During the third night of her sold-out performance in Japan, the Oscar and Grammy winner paused her high-energy set to address the escalating humanitarian crisis back home. Her speech focused on the controversial activities of ICE and the tragic deaths of two civilians, Alex Pretti and Renee Good, during federal raids in Minneapolis earlier this month.
Visibly emotional as she sat at her piano, Gaga told the crowd that she felt a deep responsibility to speak about something extremely important to people all over the world and especially in America right now.
She confessed that as she prepares to return to the U.S. in a few days, her heart is aching thinking about the people — the children, the families — who are being mercilessly targeted by ICE. The singer expressed a profound sense of grief over the loss of safety and belonging in communities across the country.
The “Abracadabra” singer specifically highlighted the fear gripping residents of Minnesota following the recent fatal shootings involving federal agents. She noted that when communities lose their sense of security, it breaks something in all of us. Gaga urged the audience to stand in solidarity with those affected, stating that even though they were in Tokyo, they remained connected to their global community.
Gaga’s plea extended directly to the current administration, calling for a swift and merciful change in policy. She lamented that good people shouldn’t have to fight so hard and risk their lives for well-being and respect and expressed hope that national leaders were actually listening to the outcry. She concluded the speech by dedicating her song “Come to Mama” to those feeling helpless and alone, hoping to offer a small piece of hope in a difficult time.
This public condemnation comes as the Trump administration attempts to pivot its immigration strategy. Border czar Tom Homan recently announced that ICE agents would move toward “targeted enforcement” of individuals with criminal records rather than general sweeps. This shift follows massive national protests and similar public outcries from other celebrities, including Bruce Springsteen, who recently released the searing protest anthem “Streets of Minneapolis” to memorialize the victims.
Lady Gaga condemns ICE in heartfelt speech at the MAYHEM Ball in Tokyo tonight:
— Gaga Daily (@gagadaily) January 29, 2026
"I want to take a second to talk about something that’s extremely important to me. Something important to people all over the world and especially in America right now. In a couple of days, I'm gonna… pic.twitter.com/UmfXmZIKPy
As of this year, Lady Gaga is enjoying one of the most successful periods of her storied career. She is currently traveling the globe for her massive “Mayhem Ball” tour, which is scheduled to return to North America in February with multiple dates in Arizona, California, and New York. The tour has been hailed as a theatrical masterpiece, blending the dark pop energy of her latest era with the classic showmanship that defined her early years.
Gaga is also heading into the 68th Annual Grammy Awards this Sunday as a frontrunner with seven nominations. Her critically acclaimed sixth studio album, MAYHEM, is up for Album of the Year, while her chart-topping single “Abracadabra” is a favorite for Song of the Year.
The Grammy ceremony, hosted by Trevor Noah, will likely see Gaga deliver a highly anticipated performance, with many fans speculating she will use the stage for another powerful social statement.
Do you believe artists like Lady Gaga have a responsibility to address political and human rights issues during their performances? Share your thoughts in the comments.