Amid the Trump administration’s fervent efforts to crackdown on illegal immigration, several artists and celebrities have expressed disdain toward US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in public settings.
At a concert on October 10 in Chicago, Illinois, hip hop artist Chance the Rapper (whose real name is Chancelor Johnathan Bennett) had a screen graphic depicting the statement “F*** ICE” behind him on stage while performing his song “Drapetomania”. Bennett, a native of Chicago, issued the following statement to the audience.
“This is a crucial time and you live in one of the most important cities in the world, believe it,” Bennett said, according to the Chicago Sun Times. “Not just ‘cause of today, but historically. I hope you know your history. I hope you take the time to look up what happens throughout history in Chicago any time [people] try and bully us. The power is in the hands of the people, the fight towards liberation continues and I’m so proud of y’all. I’m so proud to call myself a Chicagoan.”
On the same day as Chance the Rapper’s concert, pop artist Chappell Roan made a similar gesture, though subtler, during a Pasadena concert.
“I’m so lucky to be able to live here and to play here, and this city has always taken care of me, and it’s only my duty to take care of it back, so I just want to thank you,” Chappell Roan commented to her audience. “And f*** ICE forever.”
The NFL, together with partners Roc Nation and Apple Music, recently announced that Puerto Rican recording artist Bad Bunny would perform during the halftime show for Super Bowl LX. This decision has sparked national controversy because, among other reasons, Bad Bunny is critical of performing in the US due to the possibility of ICE raiding his show and detaining attendees, who may happen to be illegal immigrants, him being in the Latin sphere of popular music. He has criticized ICE on social media and other outlets for its efforts in arresting and deporting illegal immigrants in the US.
In response to the NFL’s decision to platform Bad Bunny for the Super Bowl LX halftime show, Turning Point USA announced it will have its own alternative performance for viewers to watch instead, titled the “All-American Halftime Show.” More details on this performance will be coming soon.
