Katy Perry Calls on Fans to Pressure Senators Over $10 Billion ICE Funding Push
Pop star Katy Perry is calling on her fans to take a stand against a massive funding boost for federal immigration enforcement. She recently posted a message to her millions of followers on Instagram asking them to contact their senators. Perry wants the public to pressure lawmakers into blocking a proposed $10 billion increase for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, also known as ICE.
The singer noted that this money would be added to a budget that already sits at roughly $75 billion. Perry explained to her audience that she believes it is time to move past being upset and start taking concrete steps. Becuse it’s time to turn anger into action the singer wrote on Instagram. She reminded her followers that they have a very short window to act, as the deadline to block the funds is Friday, January 30th.
This push for political action comes as public anger toward the agency reaches a breaking point. The city of Minneapolis has been the site of multiple tragedies involving federal agents in recent weeks. Most recently, 37-year-old Alex Pretti was shot and killed while participating in a protest. Pretti was a beloved ICU nurse who worked at a local veterans hospital.
The protest where Pretti lost his life was actually held to honor another victim, Renee Good. She was also a 37-year-old U.S. citizen who was fatally shot by a federal agent earlier in the month. The Department of Homeland Security has defended the actions of the officers in both cases. Officials claim that the shootings were necessary acts of self-defense.
While the public calls for less funding, the current government spending plan keeps base money for the agency steady. Negotiations between political parties have led to some small changes in how the money is spent. Some funds are being moved toward things like body cameras and better training for agents. There is also a plan to increase oversight at the facilities where people are held.
When Katy Perry isn’t busy with political activism, she is usually making headlines for her music and television career. She recently released her sixth studio album, titled 143, which features high-energy dance tracks like “Woman’s World” and “Lifetimes.” The singer has also been traveling the globe for her massive “Lifetimes Tour,” which is scheduled to continue through 2026.
How do you feel about celebrities using their platform to influence government spending and agency funding? Share your thoughts in the comments.