Billie Eilish Urges Celebrities to Stand Against ICE Actions

Billie Eilish has called on fellow celebrities to voice their opposition to the actions of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Minnesota. Her appeal comes in response to what ICE has termed “the largest mass deportation operation in American history.” Eilish made her remarks via Instagram Stories, emphasizing the urgency for public figures to engage in the discourse surrounding immigration enforcement.

The outcry follows the controversial death of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old nurse, who was fatally shot during an encounter with ICE agents. Eilish shared a video from her brother, Finneas, who condemned the agency’s actions and criticized political arguments that defend gun ownership while disregarding the realities of violence. “This guy was being beaten to a pulp on the ground,” Finneas stated, referring to Pretti’s situation. “He didn’t draw his weapon; he had a weapon on him. Legally! And they shot the fuck out of him, and killed him.”

In her Instagram post, Eilish questioned, “Hey my fellow celebrities u gonna speak up? Or…” Her message resonated with other artists, including Olivia Rodrigo, who also took to social media to express her concerns. Rodrigo described ICE’s actions as “unconscionable” and asserted that “our actions matter,” pledging her support for Minnesota.

Celebrity Voices Unite Against Immigration Enforcement

The reactions from Eilish and Rodrigo are part of a broader push within the entertainment community to address immigration issues. Political commentator Ben Sheehan shared his thoughts on the matter, labeling ICE a “murderous federal agency terrorising an American city.” He urged the Senate to block any further funding for ICE, emphasizing the need for accountability.

Eilish has previously criticized ICE, particularly after the death of Renee Good, another victim of the agency’s enforcement tactics in Minneapolis. In her earlier messages, she described ICE as a “federally funded and supported terrorist group” responsible for “tearing apart families, terrorising citizens, and now murdering innocent people.” She highlighted that 32 individuals reportedly died in ICE custody last year, reiterating her call for the agency’s abolition.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) responded to Eilish’s comments, suggesting her rhetoric contributes to a significant increase in violence against law enforcement. They stated, “It’s garbage rhetoric from the likes of Billie Eilish that is leading to a 1,300 per cent increase in assaults and 3,200 per cent increase in vehicle rammings against our brave law enforcement.”

Continued Advocacy for Gun Control and Immigrant Rights

Eilish has long been an advocate for various social issues, including gun control. Following the Brown University shooting in December, she reiterated her stance against lax gun laws, reflecting her commitment to addressing violence in America. In 2019, she urged her fans to advocate for stricter gun control following mass shootings in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio.

The conversation surrounding ICE has gained traction, with other celebrities also voicing their support for immigrant rights. Green Day criticized the Trump administration, particularly focusing on policies related to immigration enforcement. Iconic musician Bruce Springsteen vocally condemned ICE, demanding that they “get the fuck out of Minneapolis.” Other figures, including Sabrina Carpenter, Zara Larsson, and actor Yuri Lowenthal, have also joined the chorus of voices advocating for change.

As the debate over immigration policy continues, the involvement of prominent figures like Eilish and Rodrigo highlights the potential impact of celebrity influence in social issues. Their calls for action resonate with many who seek to challenge current practices and advocate for more humane treatment of immigrants in the United States.