A powerful chorus of celebrity voices is rising against the escalating actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Minneapolis. Following the tragic deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, artists like Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo, and Finneas have joined a growing movement, publicly condemning ICE’s tactics and demanding accountability. This widespread outcry mirrors a significant shift in public opinion, with recent polls indicating nearly half of U.S. citizens now support abolishing the agency.
The Escalating Crisis: ICE Operations in Minneapolis
Minneapolis has become a focal point of intense controversy surrounding ICE operations. The city has witnessed aggressive enforcement actions, culminating in the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by ICE agents. These incidents have ignited a fierce debate about the agency’s use of force and its role in American communities. Public outrage has swelled, drawing condemnation from human rights advocates, local leaders, and now, a diverse array of high-profile celebrities. Their collective message is clear: these actions are unacceptable, and change is urgently needed.
Tragic Deaths Fuel Public Outcry
The deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti served as a stark catalyst for the current wave of protests and celebrity activism. Pretti, a 37-year-old nurse, was reportedly unarmed at the time of his shooting. Official narratives claiming he was there “to perpetuate violence” stand in stark contrast to his public image, including a viral clip showing him giving a respectful final salute to a deceased veteran. This discrepancy has deepened public skepticism and fueled calls for transparency and justice. The events in Minneapolis highlight fundamental questions about federal agency oversight and the safety of citizens during enforcement operations.
A United Front: Celebrities Speak Out Against ICE
Utilizing their immense platforms, celebrities are not merely observing but actively participating in the “Abolish ICE” movement. From heartfelt speeches on red carpets to impassioned social media posts, they are amplifying the voices of affected communities and demanding federal action. Their involvement transforms a localized issue into a national conversation, pushing for greater awareness and tangible policy shifts. This celebrity activism is a powerful force, inspiring countless fans to engage with critical social justice issues.
Music Icons Lead the Charge Against ICE
The music industry’s biggest names are at the forefront of this movement, leveraging their global reach to condemn ICE. Their statements often go beyond simple criticism, offering sharp analysis and direct challenges to the status quo.
Billie Eilish’s Fiery Condemnation: Pop superstar Billie Eilish has been unequivocally vocal, labeling ICE a “federally funded and supported terrorist group.” She accused the agency of “tearing apart families, terrorizing citizens, and now murdering innocent people.” Following Alex Pretti’s death, Eilish issued a direct challenge to her peers, posting a selfie with the pointed caption, “hey my fellow celebrities u gonna speak up? or…” Her stance echoes previous condemnations of Trump-era ICE raids.
Olivia Rodrigo: Unconscionable Actions, Collective Power: Fellow pop sensation Olivia Rodrigo has similarly refused to remain silent. She declared ICE’s actions “unconscionable” and emphasized that “we are not powerless. Our actions matter. I stand with Minnesota.” Rodrigo further amplified her message by sharing posts that described ICE as a “murderous federal agency terrorizing an American city,” urging the Senate to block any additional funding.
Finneas Challenges Gun Control Hypocrisy: Billie Eilish’s brother and collaborator, Finneas O’Connell, contributed a particularly searing critique. In an Instagram video, he highlighted what he perceived as the hypocrisy of conservative arguments on gun control. Finneas pointed out that while Second Amendment hardliners often defend gun rights even at the cost of lives in school shootings, Alex Pretti’s legal possession of a weapon was used to justify his fatal shooting, despite him being beaten and not drawing his firearm. His emotional video directly confronted these contradictory positions.
Ariana Grande and The Chicks Join the Call: Ariana Grande expressed her solidarity by backing New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s call to “Abolish ICE,” sharing a screenshot of his message: “ICE terrorizes our cities. ICE puts us all in danger.” Grande also provided practical support, sharing a link to organizations assisting Minneapolis residents. The Chicks, known for their activism, shared a photo of a protester with lyrics from their anthem “Not Ready to Make Nice,” asserting, “Human decency isn’t Republican or Democrat. It’s American.”
Hollywood and Sports Stars Demand Accountability
The condemnation of ICE extends beyond music, with actors, directors, and athletes lending their voices to the cause.
Ed Norton and Pedro Pascal: Calling Out an “Illegal Army”: At the Sundance Film Festival, actor Ed Norton spoke out powerfully. He described ICE as an “illegal army” and an “unbelievably criminal organization,” urging collective action to “cast ICE out.” Pedro Pascal circulated infographics on Instagram, one of which listed the names of individuals ICE allegedly killed in 2026, further highlighting the human cost of these operations.
Katy Perry: Turning Anger into Action: Katy Perry provided actionable steps for her fans. She shared a phone number and a script, encouraging U.S. citizens to call their senators and demand a vote against a bill that would fund the Department of Homeland Security, and by extension, ICE. Her message was simple and direct: “turn anger into ACTION.”
Jenna Ortega, Natalie Portman, and Olivia Wilde at Sundance: The Sundance Film Festival became a platform for protest. Jenna Ortega, visibly shaken, spoke about the “lack of any real resolution or reprimanding against the officers.” Natalie Portman described the situation as “devastating” and emphasized that ICE’s brutality “has to stop immediately.” Olivia Wilde wore an “ICE Out” pin, expressing concern about normalizing violence and praising the bravery of protesters.
Sports Figures Take a Stand: Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr, a longtime critic of political issues, addressed Alex Pretti’s shooting, noting the widespread anger and difficulty of reconciliation. Atlanta Braves pitcher Spencer Strider used an Instagram post depicting the 1770 Boston Massacre to draw parallels between historical and contemporary state violence against protesters. WNBA MVP Breanna Stewart made her stance clear by simply holding a handwritten sign: “ABOLISH ICE.” Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton’s message was equally blunt: “Alex Pretti was murdered.”
Veteran Voices Against Injustice: Graham Nash, a musician with nearly 60 years of activism, rebuffed critics who tell artists to “stick to music.” He explicitly condemned ICE and the Trump administration, linking current events to a long history of protesting corruption and injustice. Glenn Close used Instagram reels to voice her outrage, warning that the country “is waking up and taking note. And mark my words, there will be hell to pay.” Whoopi Goldberg, on The View, passionately condemned the killings, stating, “You all have blood on your hands.”
The Call to Action: How Celebrities Inspire Change
Beyond vocal condemnation, many celebrities are actively directing their audiences toward concrete steps to effect change. This shift from mere awareness to actionable engagement is a hallmark of modern social justice movements. They are leveraging their influence to empower individuals to make a difference.
From urging fans to contact political representatives to donating proceeds from performances, these public figures are demonstrating various avenues for participation. María Zardoya of The Marías, for instance, donated all proceeds from a concert to the National Day Laborer Organizing Network, directly supporting immigrants and legal defense efforts. Moby encouraged protesting, boycotting corporations supporting ICE, and supporting politicians who oppose the agency. Justin Pierre of Motion City Soundtrack, deeply connected to Minneapolis, not only spoke out but also highlighted the immense community efforts that have emerged in response to the crisis.
The Broader Implications: A Shifting Public Opinion
The concerted efforts of these celebrities underscore a broader societal shift regarding immigration enforcement. The detailed external research confirms a significant surge in public outcry against ICE’s use of force and violence. Polling data from The Economist and YouGov reveals that 46% of U.S. citizens now support the abolishment of ICE. This figure indicates a substantial erosion of public support for the agency, suggesting that the “Abolish ICE” movement is gaining considerable traction beyond activist circles.
Celebrities are framing this issue not just as a political debate, but as a moral crisis—an attack on human decency and democratic values. Their collective voice serves as a powerful reminder of the influence public figures hold in shaping national discourse and inspiring collective action. As long as the controversy surrounding ICE continues, it is clear that these prominent individuals will remain at the forefront, demanding accountability and advocating for fundamental change.
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggered the widespread celebrity outrage against ICE in Minneapolis?
The significant celebrity condemnation of ICE in Minneapolis was primarily sparked by the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by ICE agents in the city. These tragic events, coupled with perceived aggressive ICE operations and conflicting narratives about the incidents, ignited public and celebrity outcry. The outrage reflects a broader concern over the agency’s use of force and alleged human rights violations, contributing to a growing movement, supported by 46% of U.S. citizens, to abolish ICE.
Which prominent figures have publicly advocated to “Abolish ICE”?
Several prominent figures have explicitly called for the abolishment of ICE or strongly condemned its actions. Key voices include Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo, Ariana Grande, and Breanna Stewart, who held up a sign with “ABOLISH ICE.” Other celebrities like Conor Oberst of Bright Eyes and Meg Stalter have also made direct calls to “Abolish ICE” or demanded the agency “get the f out of Minneapolis.” Their collective advocacy signals a unified stance against the agency’s operations.
How are celebrities empowering their fans to take action against ICE?
Celebrities are mobilizing their fan bases to take concrete action against ICE through various impactful methods. Katy Perry shared a phone number and a script, guiding fans on how to call their senators to vote against funding the Department of Homeland Security and ICE. Ariana Grande amplified resources, sharing links to organizations and mutual aid funds assisting those affected in Minneapolis. Moby encouraged active protesting, boycotting corporations that support ICE, and supporting politicians committed to opposing the agency. These actions transform public outrage into tangible steps for change.
