Erika Kirk Calls Anti-ICE Protests “Demonic”

Erika Kirk — CEO of conservative group Turning Point USA and widow of the late activist Charlie Kirk — has drawn attention and criticism for describing anti-ICE immigration enforcement protests as “demonic.”

Her comments, made amid a wave of demonstrations in cities like Minneapolis, framed the protests not just as political opposition, but as a moral and spiritual threat to the nation.

The “Demonic” Label by Erika Kirk

At a time of escalating protests against federal immigration enforcement operations — including demonstrations in Minnesota and across the U.S. — Erika Kirk weighed in with a starkly theological critique. In a public statement, she referred to the anti-ICE protests as “demonic,” suggesting that their intensity and purpose went beyond standard political disagreement and instead reflected an evil influence undermining American society and values.

Turning Point USA, the influential conservative organization she now leads after her husband’s assassination in 2025, has been vocally critical of immigration policies they see as harmful to national security and law-and-order. Kirk’s comments align with a broader narrative embraced by some conservative activists, positioning recent demonstrations as part of a larger cultural struggle.

Political and Public Reactions

Kirk’s choice of language immediately sparked reaction from across the political spectrum. Critics argued that labeling protestors “demonic” risks inflaming already tense political divisions and mischaracterizing people exercising their constitutional rights. Supporters, meanwhile, saw her comments as a dramatic but principled stand against what they view as an overreach by federal authorities in immigration enforcement.

Her statements come as anti-ICE protests have grown in visibility and scale, particularly following controversial enforcement operations that drew national attention and sparked debates over federal authority, community impact, and civil liberties. Kirk’s remarks tapped into these debates by framing them in moral and spiritual terms rather than traditional legal or policy arguments.

Who Is Erika Kirk?

Erika Kirk is an American political activist and businesswoman who became CEO and chairwoman of Turning Point USA (TPUSA) after the assassination of her husband, Charlie Kirk, in September 2025. She previously gained public attention as a pageant winner and nonprofit leader, and has since become a prominent voice in conservative circles, blending political activism with religious and cultural commentary.

Under her leadership, TPUSA has continued to advocate for conservative causes, including support for strong immigration enforcement, cultural conservatism, and faith-based engagement in politics. Her description of anti-ICE protests as “demonic” reflects this broader ideological approach, where political conflicts are often framed in terms of moral struggle.

Broader Implications

The controversy highlights how language and framing in public discourse can amplify political tensions. By invoking spiritual concepts like “demonic,” Kirk’s comments move the conversation beyond policy disagreements into more visceral cultural territory, potentially shaping how supporters and opponents interpret the motivations and legitimacy of protest movements.

As anti-ICE demonstrations continue and immigration remains a contentious national issue, such statements are likely to fuel further debate — both within conservative movements and across the broader political landscape.

You might also want to read: Thousands Rally in Subzero Minnesota to Protest ICE