Kehlani Critiques ICE Raids Amid Rising Concerns

R&B singer Kehlani, who identifies as they/them, has publicly criticized the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for its ongoing immigration raids across the United States. During an appearance on the Los Angeles radio show “Big Boy’s Neighborhood,” Kehlani described the raids as “kidnapping” individuals from schools, workplaces, homes, and even churches. They highlighted the fear these actions instill in families, stating, “They’re kidnapping [people] out of schools, and jobs, and homes, and churches.” Kehlani emphasized that even American citizens are being affected, with reports of ICE agents targeting individuals based on “Spanish-adjacent last names.”

Kehlani Criticizes ICE Raids, Calls Them ‘Insane’ for Targeting Workers and Students Across the U.S.Kehlani Condemns ICE Raids, Claims Agency Is 'Kidnapping' Immigrants and Even US Citizens

The criticism comes at a time when ICE is facing scrutiny over its enforcement practices. NPR reported that 2025 is projected to be one of the deadliest years for individuals in ICE custody, with at least 20 deaths recorded so far. Additionally, over 60,000 people have been detained this year, raising alarms among advocates and lawmakers regarding the agency's methods and the impact on communities.

Kehlani Criticizes ICE Raids, Calls Them ‘Insane’ for Targeting Workers and Students Across the U.S.

Kehlani's remarks reflect a growing discontent with the current immigration policies under the Trump administration. In a recent interview on CBS’s “60 Minutes,” President Donald Trump responded to concerns about the raids, stating, “No, I think they haven’t gone far enough,” in reference to the aggressive tactics employed by ICE. This response has further fueled the debate over the appropriateness of such enforcement actions.

Kehlani Criticizes ICE Raids, Calls Them ‘Insane’ for Targeting Workers and Students Across the U.S.

Critics of ICE's tactics, including Kehlani, argue that the agency's actions are not only inhumane but also counterproductive, as they create an atmosphere of fear among immigrant communities. The singer's comments resonate with many who have witnessed distressing incidents, such as the tackling of a young mother by an ICE agent in a New York immigration courthouse, which has drawn widespread condemnation.

Kehlani Criticizes ICE Raids, Calls Them ‘Insane’ for Targeting Workers and Students Across the U.S.

Kehlani's willingness to address contentious issues is not new; they previously faced backlash for their support of Palestine, which reportedly affected their collaborations within the music industry. Despite these challenges, Kehlani's career has continued to thrive, with their song "Folded" achieving significant success and their upcoming album set for release in spring 2026.

Kehlani Condemns ICE Raids, Claims Agency Is 'Kidnapping' Immigrants and Even US Citizens

• “They’re kidnapping [people] out of schools, and jobs, and homes, and churches,” — Kehlani, R&B Singer

Kehlani Criticizes ICE Raids, Calls Them ‘Insane’ for Targeting Workers and Students Across the U.S.

• “No, I think they haven’t gone far enough.” — Donald Trump, President of the United States

Kehlani Criticizes ICE Raids, Calls Them ‘Insane’ for Targeting Workers and Students Across the U.S.

Kehlani's outspoken criticism of ICE raids highlights the ongoing national debate surrounding immigration enforcement and its implications for communities across the United States.

Kehlani Criticizes ICE Raids, Calls Them ‘Insane’ for Targeting Workers and Students Across the U.S.