The importance of celebrity activism against Donald Trump’s ICE raids

In response to anti-immigrant action in the United States, some celebrities are speaking out.

In 2025, as Donald Trump began his second term as president, the United States’ Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) began to carry out increased raids on immigrant communities, a measure that has been labelled a threat to human rights. In response, some celebrities have used their platforms to speak out, demonstrating that celebrity activism can be a useful tool to raise awareness for social issues.

Although celebrities with ties to impacted communities play an important role in bringing awareness, other celebrities who aren’t directly impacted can serve as useful allies by speaking out.

Celebrities have a long history of engaging in social activism by endorsing presidential candidates and participating in political demonstrations. The intentions behind celebrities’ political involvement have been debated, with some suggesting that political advocacy could simply be a move to gain popularity. However, some celebrities insist that speaking out on politics is a way to advocate for issues close to their hearts.

Right now, celebrities with a personal connection to immigration issues in the U.S. have been particularly vocal.

For example, in a recent interview with i-D magazine, Puerto Rican singer Bad Bunny explained why he decided to skip the U.S. on his upcoming tour, Debí Tirar Más Fotos World Tour, a decision that initially surprised some fans.

The singer explained that he was “very concerned” that ICE would show up outside of American concert venues if he toured in the U.S. For an artist with a significant Latino fan base, Bad Bunny’s awareness about issues that affect Latinos, including ICE raids, draws on a longer history of advocacy. Previously, the singer has centred his artistry around themes of Puerto Rican pride and LGBTQ+ rights in the Latino community.

Celebrities outside the Latinx community have also spoken up.

At the 77th Emmy Awards on Sept. 14, Hacks actress Hannah Einbinder denounced ICE as she accepted her award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. Despite receiving backlash from some spectators, Einbinder’s stance was celebrated online.

Einbinder’s condemnation of ICE plays an important role in ensuring that media awareness about ICE raids is continued. Although it’s important that celebrities with personal connections to impacted communities, like Bad Bunny, use their platforms to speak out, Einbinder’s actions demonstrate the importance of allyship. Moments like these demonstrate that celebrity activism doesn’t need to be entirely reliant on those who come from marginalized communities.

Because of their fame, celebrities have frequently been looked up to for their opinions on pertinent issues. By keeping the conversation going, celebrities can continue to contribute by influencing public discourse.