Lizzo Shares Emotional Response to ICE Shootings in Minneapolis and Remembers Activist Shirley Raines
Singer Lizzo expressed her deep concern about the ongoing violence linked to ICE’s immigration enforcement operations in Minnesota, a state significant to her early music career.
In a video shared on her social media platforms on January 28, Lizzo addressed the political unrest impacting the community she once called home. “I know it can feel helpless watching all of this unfold on our phones, but after talking to local organizers on the ground in Minneapolis, here are a couple of ways you can help,” she said.
Lizzo highlighted a GoFundMe set up for Jayla Ramirez, whose father has been detained by ICE in Minneapolis. The fundraiser aims to raise $20,000 for bail and $10,000 for legal fees. She also emphasized the importance of supporting Smitten Kitten, a local sex shop providing mutual aid resources, and Glam Doll Donuts, situated near the site of a tragic incident involving ICE agent Alex Pretti, who was killed on January 24.
Recognizing the current financial struggles many face, Lizzo remarked, “I am fully aware of the financial recession that we’re going through in this country. When I make videos like this, I am never ever asking my fans or anyone who is in a less fortunate financial situation than me to donate to a GoFundMe.” She expressed her intent to reach influential individuals who can assist.
She became visibly emotional as she shared her thoughts on Minneapolis: “In the years that I lived there, whether it was Philando Castile, whether it was Jamar Clark, whether it was George Floyd, this seems to happen — the injustice happens there. And what I’ve also seen is the community rise up every single time. If I find more ways to help, I will be sharing them.”
The ongoing ICE operations in Minneapolis have generated widespread outrage, coinciding with protests across the nation. In January, two civilians have been fatally shot by ICE officers, including the shooting of Renee Good on January 7, which the Donald Trump administration described as self-defense, a claim met with skepticism by many who cite eyewitness accounts.
Following her remarks about Minneapolis, Lizzo shared her grief over another heartbreaking news story involving Shirley Raines, a Los Angeles activist who gained notoriety on TikTok for distributing essential items to unhoused individuals on Skid Row. Raines passed away at the age of 58, as confirmed by her charity, Beauty 2 The Streetz, which did not disclose the cause of death.
“I am devastated,” Lizzo said tearfully in an Instagram Story, referring to Raines as an “incredible woman” with whom she often collaborated. “When the public was turning its back on me, she never did. She was like, ‘Stay encouraged.’ She would always send me messages of love, and she would never ever ask for anything in return.”
“People like her are rare,” Lizzo continued. “Her work is not over. She overserved the underserved … I’m so sad that you’re gone.”
For those interested in supporting efforts in Minneapolis and assisting Jayla Ramirez, Lizzo shared a TikTok video outlining ways to help.
