DHS Responds to Olivia Rodrigo’s Critique of ICE, Urging Respect for Officers’ Sacrifices
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has responded to Olivia Rodrigo’s recent criticism regarding the department’s use of her music in a video promoting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
In a statement released to Billboard on Thursday, March 19—shortly after Rodrigo’s cover story in British Vogue was published, in which she labeled ICE’s actions as “disturbing”—a spokesperson for the DHS stated, “America is grateful all the time for our federal law enforcement officers who keep us safe.”
The spokesperson added, “We suggest Ms. Rodrigo thank them for their service, not belittle their sacrifice. ICE does NOT separate families. Parents are given a choice to either take their child with them or place them in the care of someone they designate. This is consistent with past administration’s immigration enforcement.”
Billboard has reached out to Rodrigo’s representatives for a response.
The DHS’s remarks reference lyrics from Rodrigo’s song “All-American Bitch,” which was featured in a November video showing ICE officers tackling and detaining individuals. In response to the video’s use of her music, Rodrigo had previously stated, “don’t ever use my songs to promote your racist, hateful propaganda.”
Four months later, Rodrigo reiterated her condemnation of ICE in British Vogue, describing the agency’s use of her Billboard Hot 100 hit without permission as “awful. Dystopian.” She continued, “The way that ICE is ripping apart communities and terrorizing people is so disturbing. It’s a really sad, scary time.”
Even before the unauthorized usage of her song, Rodrigo has been vocal against ICE. In response to the agency’s raids on immigrant communities in Los Angeles last year, she expressed her deep concern via Instagram, stating, “I’ve lived in LA my whole life and I’m deeply upset about these violent deportations of my neighbors under the current administration… Treating hardworking community members with such little respect, empathy, and due process is awful.”
Rodrigo is not alone in her criticism. Numerous celebrities have condemned ICE’s actions under former President Trump, particularly following the recent fatalities of civilians Renee Good and Alex Pretti, who were shot by immigration enforcement officers in Minneapolis earlier this year. The DHS has also rebuffed criticism from other musicians, including Billie Eilish, labeling her comments as “garbage rhetoric” after she shared posts referring to ICE as a “terrorist organization.”
