Immigrant Celebs Who Slammed ICE

Immigration policy in the United States has been a polarizing topic for decades, often sparking intense debate across the political spectrum. Many celebrities who were born outside the US have used their platforms to speak out against agencies like Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the policies they enforce. These public figures often draw from their own experiences or those of their families to advocate for reform and humane treatment of migrants. From viral social media posts to dedicated segments on late-night television, these stars have not shied away from criticizing detention conditions and family separations.

Rihanna

Born in Barbados, the global superstar has frequently used her social media presence to critique US immigration policies. Rihanna famously posted a photo of herself wearing a t-shirt with the word ‘Immigrant’ on it during a period of heightened ICE raids. She has publicly called for the protection of families seeking asylum and condemned the use of tear gas at the border. Her activism highlights the contributions of immigrants to American culture and economy.

John Oliver

The British-born comedian and host of ‘Last Week Tonight’ has dedicated multiple segments of his show to dismantling the practices of ICE. Oliver famously aired a segment titled ‘Abolish ICE’ where he argued that the agency’s tactics had become excessively cruel and ineffective. He used detailed research to expose issues within detention centers and the legal hurdles faced by undocumented immigrants. His comedic yet searing analysis played a significant role in mainstreaming the conversation around the agency’s potential dissolution.

Samantha Bee

Canadian-born comedian Samantha Bee has been one of the most vocal critics of ICE on her show ‘Full Frontal with Samantha Bee’. She famously dedicated an entire special to the issue of family separation, blending satire with on-the-ground reporting. Bee has consistently argued that the agency’s enforcement methods violate basic human rights and American values. Her sharp commentary often urges viewers to take direct political action against strict immigration crackdowns.

Trevor Noah

As a South African immigrant, Trevor Noah frequently addressed immigration issues during his tenure on ‘The Daily Show’. He often used his monologue to point out the hypocrisy and inhumanity he perceived in ICE’s operations. Noah highlighted the stories of individual migrants to humanize the statistics often cited in the media. His unique perspective as an outsider looking in allowed him to deconstruct complex policies for a broad audience.

Camila Cabello

Born in Cuba and raised in Mexico before moving to Miami, Camila Cabello has been a staunch advocate for immigrant rights. She has used her Instagram platform to share resources and condemn ICE raids that target Latino communities. Cabello frequently speaks about her own family’s journey to the US to foster empathy for those currently navigating the system. She has partnered with various organizations to provide legal aid and support to families affected by deportation.

21 Savage

The rapper, who was born in the United Kingdom and brought to the US as a child, became a central figure in the immigration debate after being detained by ICE in 2019. Following his release, he became a vocal critic of the immigration system and the anxiety it causes for undocumented youth. He used his music and interviews to shed light on the plight of “Dreamers” who face the constant threat of deportation. His personal experience exposed the aggressive tactics often used by the agency against individuals who have lived in the US for most of their lives.

Jim Carrey

Canadian actor and artist Jim Carrey has used his political artwork to express his disdain for the Trump administration’s immigration policies. Carrey shared numerous drawings on social media that depicted ICE agents and political figures in a grotesque light, criticizing the separation of families. His art often focused on the suffering of children in detention centers, aiming to provoke an emotional response from the public. While controversial, his work kept the spotlight on the humanitarian crisis at the border.

Pedro Pascal

Born in Chile, Pedro Pascal has been unreserved in his criticism of the treatment of migrants at the US border. The ‘The Last of Us’ star compared the conditions of detention centers to concentration camps in social media posts. He has consistently amplified calls to reunite separated families and end indefinite detention. Pascal’s advocacy is deeply rooted in his own family’s history as political refugees who fled a dictatorship.

Oscar Isaac

Guatemalan-born actor Oscar Isaac has used press tours and interviews to voice his opposition to harsh immigration enforcement. He has spoken about the dehumanization of Central American migrants and the need for a more compassionate approach. Isaac has participated in fundraisers and awareness campaigns aimed at helping those in ICE custody. His commentary often focuses on the root causes of migration and the responsibility of the US to treat asylum seekers with dignity.

Kumail Nanjiani

Pakistani-American comedian and actor Kumail Nanjiani has frequently taken to Twitter to slam ICE and its policies. He has used his platform to share stories of immigrants who have been negatively impacted by the agency’s actions. Nanjiani often uses humor and sharp wit to point out the absurdities and cruelties of the immigration system. He has been particularly vocal about the fear that permeates immigrant communities due to the threat of raids.

Salma Hayek Pinault

Mexican-born actress Salma Hayek has been a fierce opponent of family separation policies enforced by ICE. She launched fundraisers to provide legal defense for detained migrants and has visited the border to witness conditions firsthand. Hayek uses her social media channels to educate her millions of followers about the realities faced by women and children in detention. Her advocacy focuses on the immediate humanitarian needs of those caught in the immigration dragnet.

Shakira

Colombian superstar Shakira has penned op-eds and given interviews condemning the treatment of children in ICE custody. She has argued that separating families causes irreparable psychological trauma and goes against universal human rights. Shakira has leveraged her global fame to call on political leaders to reform the immigration system. Her philanthropic work often intersects with her advocacy for migrant children’s education and safety.

John Leguizamo

Born in Bogotá, Colombia, John Leguizamo is a relentless critic of the demonization of Latin American immigrants. He has used his one-man shows and social media to attack the narrative that justifies harsh ICE tactics. Leguizamo frequently highlights the contributions of Latinos to US history to counter anti-immigrant rhetoric. He has called for the defunding of agencies that he believes perpetrate human rights abuses.

Guillermo del Toro

The Academy Award-winning director from Mexico is known for his passionate defense of the immigrant experience. Guillermo del Toro has used acceptance speeches and public appearances to denounce the vilification of migrants by US authorities. He views the work of ICE in separating families as a moral failure of the highest order. His storytelling often champions the “other,” reflecting his belief in the value of diversity and empathy.

Diego Luna

Mexican actor and director Diego Luna has been an outspoken critic of the physical and psychological walls built between the US and Mexico. He has publicly condemned ICE’s detention practices and the narratives used to criminalize migrants. Luna has utilized his production company to create content that humanizes the journey of those crossing the border. He urges audiences to look past the politics and see the human beings affected by enforcement policies.

Gael García Bernal

A close collaborator of Diego Luna, Mexican actor Gael García Bernal has similarly used his voice to fight for migrant rights. He has produced documentaries that expose the dangers faced by migrants and the harsh reality of US immigration enforcement. García Bernal has criticized the criminalization of migration and the militarization of the border. His activism seeks to bridge the gap of understanding between citizens and undocumented individuals.

French Montana

Born in Morocco, rapper French Montana has become a vocal advocate for the “Dreamer” generation and undocumented immigrants. He has partnered with organizations to fund higher education for immigrant youth and has spoken out against deportation threats. Montana has criticized the climate of fear created by ICE raids in immigrant neighborhoods. His personal journey from a non-English speaking immigrant to a hip-hop star informs his support for reform.

Nicki Minaj

Trinidadian-born rapper Nicki Minaj expressed deep outrage during the height of the family separation crisis. She posted emotional messages on social media, stating that the images of children in detention broke her heart. Minaj criticized the administration for allowing such practices to occur under the guise of law enforcement. Her comments brought the issue to the attention of her massive, younger fanbase.

Justin Bieber

Canadian singer Justin Bieber joined the chorus of celebrities condemning the policy of separating children from their parents. He posted the slogan “Families Belong Together” on his social media, aligning himself with the movement against ICE’s enforcement tactics. Bieber has urged his followers to support legislative changes that prioritize family unity. His involvement helped amplify the message to a global audience.

Zedd

Russian-born German DJ and producer Zedd has been surprisingly vocal about US politics and immigration. He has tweeted his disgust with ICE’s treatment of asylum seekers and the separation of families. Zedd has organized fundraising concerts where proceeds went to the ACLU to fight immigration battles in court. He frequently encourages his fans to vote for candidates who support humane immigration reform.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas

Indian actress Priyanka Chopra, who serves as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, has spoken out against the crisis at the US border. She has expressed her heartbreak over images of children in detention centers, emphasizing that every child deserves safety. Chopra has used her platform to advocate for the rights of refugee children worldwide, including those in US custody. Her global perspective reinforces the idea that the treatment of migrants is a human rights issue.

Natalie Portman

Born in Israel, Natalie Portman has frequently worn clothing and made statements supporting immigrant rights. She has spoken at rallies and on social media about the cruelty of separating families and the need to treat all people with dignity. Portman often emphasizes that the US is a nation of immigrants and should welcome those seeking safety. Her activism is consistent with her broader support for social justice causes.

Charlize Theron

South African actress Charlize Theron has been a vocal critic of the Trump administration’s immigration policies. She has expressed her horror at the reports of conditions within ICE detention facilities. Theron has used her influence to support organizations that provide legal aid to separated families. As an adoptive mother, she has spoken personally about the sanctity of the parent-child bond and the trauma of separation.

Mila Kunis

Born in Ukraine, Mila Kunis has spoken about her own family’s experience arriving in the US with very little. She has criticized the anti-immigrant rhetoric that fuels aggressive ICE tactics. Kunis has donated to causes that support refugees and asylum seekers at the border. She often highlights the importance of empathy and the idea that immigrants strengthen the fabric of American society.

Arnold Schwarzenegger

The Austrian-born former Governor of California has not hesitated to criticize his own party regarding immigration hardlines. Schwarzenegger publicly condemned the policy of separating families, calling it “crazy” and cruel. While he supports border security, he has argued that the images of children in cages go against American values. He uses his unique position as a Republican immigrant to call for bipartisan, humane solutions.

Penélope Cruz

Spanish actress Penélope Cruz joined her husband Javier Bardem in signing open letters and speaking out against the family separation crisis. She has described the images of children in detention as heartbreaking and unacceptable. Cruz has urged for immediate policy changes to ensure the safety and unity of migrant families. Her advocacy is part of a broader wave of international celebrity criticism of US border practices.

Javier Bardem

Spanish actor Javier Bardem has been equally vocal, calling the separation of families a human rights violation. He has publicly criticized the administration for allowing such cruelty to take place on American soil. Bardem has participated in campaigns to raise awareness about the psychological damage inflicted on detained children. He argues that developed nations have a moral obligation to treat migrants with humanity.

Thalia

Mexican superstar Thalía has used her social media platforms to protest ICE’s zero-tolerance policies. She has posted videos and messages urging her fans to take action and support organizations fighting for immigrant families. Thalía often emphasizes the shared heritage of the US and Latin America. She has called for compassion and an end to the criminalization of those seeking a better life.

Eugenio Derbez

Mexican actor and comedian Eugenio Derbez is a prominent voice for the Latino community in Hollywood. He has criticized the climate of fear that ICE raids create for hardworking immigrant families. Derbez uses humor and drama to tell stories that counter negative stereotypes about Mexicans. He actively supports campaigns that encourage Latinos to vote and assert their rights.

Kate del Castillo

Mexican actress Kate del Castillo has been a fearless critic of both the Mexican and US governments regarding migration. She has slammed the inhumane conditions in US detention centers and the treatment of asylum seekers. Del Castillo has used her platform to amplify the voices of those who have been silenced by the system. Her advocacy is often raw and direct, challenging the status quo.

Demián Bichir

Academy Award-nominated Mexican actor Demián Bichir has been an activist for immigration reform for years. He has served as an ACLU ambassador, specifically focusing on the rights of migrants and the abuses of ICE. Bichir has written op-eds and spoken at rallies, arguing that immigrants are the backbone of the American economy. He constantly challenges the narrative that portrays migrants as threats rather than contributors.

Tan France

The British-Pakistani fashion designer and ‘Queer Eye’ star has spoken openly about the difficulties of navigating the US immigration system. Tan France has criticized the hostility directed toward immigrants and the fear induced by enforcement agencies. He uses his show and social media to promote inclusivity and understanding. France often shares his own anxieties about visa statuses to relate to his audience.

Jameela Jamil

British actress and activist Jameela Jamil is known for her outspokenness on various social justice issues, including immigration. She has condemned the “caging” of children and the aggressive tactics of border patrol agencies. Jameela uses her platform to share news and call out hypocrisy in political leadership regarding human rights. She advocates for a systemic overhaul of how the US treats foreign nationals.

Riz Ahmed

British-Pakistani actor Riz Ahmed has been a powerful voice against xenophobia and anti-immigrant policies. He has created music and film projects that explore the trauma of being targeted by border security and intelligence agencies. Ahmed has criticized the systemic profiling that often accompanies ICE enforcement. His work aims to dismantle the stereotypes that are used to justify harsh immigration crackdowns.

Seth Rogen

Canadian actor and filmmaker Seth Rogen has not minced words when criticizing the US government’s handling of the border crisis. He has used his Twitter account to blast the separation of families and the conditions in detention centers. Rogen frequently supports charities that provide legal services to immigrants. His commentary often combines his signature humor with genuine outrage at social injustices.

Shawn Mendes

Canadian singer Shawn Mendes has used his massive platform to advocate for the “Families Belong Together” movement. He has donated to organizations providing legal support to those facing deportation. Mendes has spoken about the responsibility of his generation to fight for human rights and dignity. He encourages his young fanbase to stay informed and active on immigration issues.

Dua Lipa

Born in the UK to Kosovar-Albanian parents, Dua Lipa often speaks about her identity and the plight of refugees. While her focus is global, she has criticized the rhetoric and policies in the US that demonize refugees and asylum seekers. She advocates for the protection of those fleeing conflict and persecution. Lipa’s background gives her a personal connection to the importance of welcoming displaced people.

Bono

The Irish frontman of U2 has a long history of political activism and has frequently commented on American policy. Bono has criticized the demonization of immigrants and the separation of families at the US border. He has appealed to American lawmakers to remember their nation’s history as a beacon for immigrants. His advocacy often frames the immigration debate as a moral test for Western democracies.

Tell us which of these celebrities you think made the most impact with their activism in the comments.