We have to talk about the elephant in the room: the lack of celebrities condemning ICE (the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement). Now, it’s not to say stars aren’t doing anything about the looming situation: actors at the Golden Globes wore a pin to spark conversation, and Swedish pop singer Zara Larsson used her social media platform to call out ICE, for example. Which brings us to our own communities, and the uncomfortable reality that many Latine artists have remained quiet.
For context, Larsson has been making headlines lately for condemning ICE on her social media platform. Over the weekend, she wrote a slew of explicit messages calling out ICE, not beating around the bush and saying: “They’re criminals too. Killing, kidnapping, violent, hateful ones.” Though some social media users criticized her, what stands out is her willingness to directly vocalize her opinions, following the wrongful death of Renee Good in Minneapolis, MN. Though Larsson may not be Latine or from the U.S., for that matter, it brings up the question: what if a Latine artist of this caliber were to speak out about what’s going on in our country and what we can do about it?
Before we get the “musicians aren’t politicians” responses, we’re not asking for artists like Peso Pluma and Bad Bunny to come and rescue our communities, because that’s unrealistic. But after Good’s tragedy, it would make a difference if an artist of similar stature made a PSA about knowing our rights as U.S. citizens, such as the right to remain silent. As loyal fans and ticket buyers, we made them who they are now, so why not do something in return? Sure, Benito has talked about his decision to skip the U.S. to avoid fans being caught by ICE at his shows. But what if stars like him and all the other artists touring this year took it a step further to protect their loyal fan bases, who have to live with this reality regardless of their tour routes?
That said, it would also be a mistake not to acknowledge the privilege that shapes who gets to speak loudly and who can afford to. Larsson, while still an artist with a visa, is a white woman whose race affords her a level of protection that many Black and brown immigrants simply do not have. Race still holds power in this country, even within immigrant narratives. When white artists speak out, they are often praised as brave; when Latine artists do the same, they risk being labeled “too political,” “ungrateful,” or “divisive.” After speaking out about ICE, the White House’s social media used Larsson’s music to troll her opinion. What would happen if a Latine artist working here on a visa spoke out, especially after last year’s censored corridos incident?
There’s also the reality that many of us were raised to stay calladito, to keep our heads down, not make waves, not risk the opportunities our families sacrificed everything for. Speaking out has never been a neutral act for our communities; it has historically come with consequences. Visibility can mean vulnerability. For Latine artists, especially those with undocumented family members, immigrant parents, or fans who live under constant surveillance, putting it “on the line” doesn’t just risk brand deals or public backlash; it can feel like risking safety, stability, and everything they’re still building.
But survival mode cannot be the ceiling forever, especially not for those who have already made it. At a certain point, staying quiet stops being protection and starts becoming distance. Latine artists, in particular, occupy a rare position: they’ve built access, visibility, and influence precisely because of the communities now under attack. And while fear may explain silence, it doesn’t have to define it. If there were ever a moment to challenge the mentality we were raised with, this is it.
It’s time for Latine stars to use their platform to educate their audiences about ICE and what they can do should they come face-to-face with an ICE agent. What better time to educate than now, when ICE is planning on an advertising recruitment strategy to spend “at least $8 million on deals with online influencers whose followers are largely Gen Z and millennials and who were in the ‘military families,’ ‘fitness’ and ‘tactical/lifestyle enthusiast communities,’” per the Washington Post. ICE isn’t backing down anytime soon.
Now, it’s not like all of our Latine favorites are tight-lipped about our country’s anti-immigrant agenda. Artists like Snow Tha Product and Becky G are consistently posting, protesting, and speaking out about the injustices we are facing. Although it’s certainly not an artist’s job to “save us,” it wouldn’t hurt for them to follow the example of these singers in standing up for their people with a press circuit about our rights, especially if they were born in this country.
Let’s face it: at this point, our government is failing us, and our community leaders are getting burnt out. And though they’re not obligated, any support from our Latine stars would make a difference, even if it’s just giving us hope. A pin is symbolic. Education and resources can be life-saving.
