White House Press Secretary Condemns Celebrity Criticism of Immigration Enforcement
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has launched a pointed critique against Hollywood celebrities who have publicly criticized Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Leavitt characterized the celebrity commentary as hypocritical and disconnected from the realities of border security enforcement.
Leavitt Questions Celebrity Credibility on Immigration Issues
Karoline Leavitt expressed particular frustration with what she described as "elitist" celebrities who live in protected, gated communities while condemning federal law enforcement personnel. "I think it's very ironic and frankly sad to see celebrities who live in gated communities with private security, with millions of dollars to spend protecting themselves, trying to just demonize law enforcement," Leavitt stated during her press briefing.
The White House spokesperson emphasized that ICE agents are "public servants who work for the United States government to enforce our nation's laws" and argued they are being unfairly vilified by entertainment figures who enjoy substantial personal security measures.
Grammy Awards Become Immigration Policy Flashpoint
The controversy stems from recent comments made during the 68th Grammy Awards ceremony, where several prominent artists used their platform to criticize immigration enforcement policies:
- Billie Eilish used her acceptance speech to say "f*** ICE" and urged continued protest against immigration enforcement
- Olivia Dean spoke about her personal immigrant experience during the ceremony
- Shaboozey dedicated his award to immigrants during his acceptance speech
- Multiple celebrities including Justin and Hailey Bieber, Kehlani, Joni Mitchell, Carole King and Brandi Carlile wore "ICE out" pins during the event
Leavitt Contrasts Current Criticism with Previous Administration Silence
Leavitt noted what she characterized as selective outrage from Hollywood figures, pointing out that celebrities were less vocal about immigration issues during the Biden administration. She specifically referenced high-profile crimes committed by illegal immigrants during that period, including the deaths of Jocelyn Nungaray and Laken Riley.
"The previous administration allowed an invasion of our nation's borders and allowed innocent women and girls to be killed and raped and murdered at the hands of people who should have never been in our country in the first place," Leavitt declared. "There was no uproar from Hollywood and the elitist crowd at the Grammys then. But there is now, and I think that speaks to the unfortunate irony that we're seeing in Hollywood."
Department of Homeland Security Echoes Support for ICE Personnel
Department of Homeland Security chief Kristi Noem also defended ICE officers in comments to Fox News, stating she wished celebrities understood "what wonderful, amazing people our ICE officers are." Noem emphasized that ICE personnel are focused on removing dangerous criminals from communities and protecting American citizens.
The immigration enforcement debate has intensified in recent weeks following ICE operations in Minneapolis and St. Paul related to fraud investigations. The discussion has gained additional urgency after two Americans—Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pressi—were shot and killed by ICE agents last month, incidents currently under FBI investigation.
This ongoing tension between celebrity activism and government immigration policy highlights the deepening cultural and political divisions surrounding border security and enforcement approaches in the United States.
