Billie Eilish Urges Celebrities to Take a Stand Against ICE

Billie Eilish has publicly called on fellow celebrities to denounce the actions of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which she described as part of “the largest mass deportation operation in American history.” Eilish’s remarks come in response to recent incidents involving ICE in Minnesota, including the tragic death of 37-year-old nurse Alex Pretti.

In a post on her Instagram Stories, Eilish questioned her peers, asking, “Hey my fellow celebrities, u gonna speak up? Or…” This statement echoes a growing sentiment among artists and activists concerned about the implications of ICE’s actions and the agency’s treatment of individuals in custody.

Eilish shared a video from her brother and collaborator, Finneas, in which he criticized the justification provided by some conservatives regarding Pretti’s death. He stated, “It was like, ‘Well, [Pretti] had a gun’. Shut the f*** up! You’ve spent 30 years straight telling us that children have to die so that we’re allowed to legally carry weapons.” Finneas emphasized the need to recognize the broader societal issues surrounding gun laws and police violence.

Celebrity Voices Amplify Concerns

Olivia Rodrigo, another prominent figure in the music industry, echoed Eilish’s sentiments. She described ICE’s actions as “unconscionable” and urged her followers to recognize their power to effect change. Rodrigo’s Instagram post stated, “Our actions matter. I stand with Minnesota.” She also shared a message from political commentator Ben Sheehan, who criticized ICE as a “murderous federal agency terrorizing an American city” and called for the Senate to block additional funding for the agency.

Following Pretti’s death, the Trump administration attempted to justify the incident by claiming that his decision to carry a firearm suggested he was seeking a violent confrontation with law enforcement. However, critics argue that carrying a gun is a lawful right in Minnesota, protected by state law and the Second Amendment.

Eilish has been vocal against ICE for some time. Earlier this month, she condemned the agency after the death of Renee Good, also at the hands of an ICE agent in Minneapolis. She labeled ICE as a “federally funded and supported terrorist group” that is “tearing apart families, terrorizing citizens, and now murdering innocent people.” Her posts have included appeals for the abolition of ICE, listing 32 individuals who reportedly died in ICE custody last year.

Government Response and Ongoing Debate

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) responded to Eilish’s criticisms, stating that her rhetoric contributes to a significant increase in violence against law enforcement officers. The DHS claimed there has been a “1,300 percent increase in assaults and a 3,200 percent increase in vehicle rammings” against agents.

Eilish’s activism is part of a broader trend among artists advocating for social change. She has previously spoken out on issues related to gun control, particularly in the aftermath of mass shootings in the United States. In 2019, she urged her fans to advocate for stricter gun laws following incidents in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio.

Numerous celebrities have joined the conversation, including Green Day, who criticized the Trump administration and Homeland Security Advisor Stephen Miller, and Bruce Springsteen, who expressed his disdain for ICE’s presence in Minneapolis. Other artists, such as Sabrina Carpenter and Duran Duran, have also lent their voices to the growing chorus opposing the agency’s actions.

As the debate around ICE continues, the involvement of high-profile celebrities like Billie Eilish and Olivia Rodrigo highlights the intersection of art and activism, inviting public scrutiny and dialogue on immigration policy and law enforcement practices in the United States.