Billie Eilish Urges Celebrities to Speak Up After ICE Shootings

Amid escalating protests and outrage over the shooting deaths of civilians by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis, Grammy-winning singer Billie Eilish has taken to social media to challenge her peers in Hollywood to publicly address the situation.

With demonstrations spreading nationally and celebrities increasingly weighing in on the contentious issue of Immigration and Customs Enforcement enforcement actions, Eilish’s call has added new intensity to an already heated cultural moment.

Eilish Posts Social Media Message

On January 26, Eilish posted a direct, brief message on her Instagram Stories aimed at fellow high-profile figures: “hey my fellow celebrities u gonna speak up? or…”, challenging those who have remained silent while the protests unfold. In her posts, she also reshared commentary from her brother Finneas, who criticised official narratives about the death of Alex Pretti and called attention to how witness footage contradicts some federal claims.

The messaging reflects a broader push by Eilish — who has previously used her platform to highlight social and political causes — to move beyond individual commentary and create collective pressure among public figures to address what she and others see as injustices tied to federal enforcement actions.

Context: Minneapolis Protests and ICE Enforcement

Eilish’s appeal comes amid a surge of protests tied to recent federal immigration enforcement operations in Minnesota. The demonstrations intensified after the fatal shooting of ICU nurse Alex Pretti by a federal agent during an operation on January 24, and followed another controversial shooting earlier in the month that left Renée Good dead. Many protesters and advocates argue that federal agents have used excessive force and lack accountability, fueling deep community anger and broader national debate.

These deaths have drawn reactions from multiple sectors — including lawmakers, activists, and now entertainers — and have sparked calls for investigations, reforms to enforcement policy, and greater public awareness of federal immigration tactics.

Celebrity and Public Response

Several other celebrities have already spoken out in the wake of the Minneapolis shootings, emphasising the need for accountability and change. Singers like Olivia Rodrigo echoed concerns about ICE tactics and urged civic engagement, while figures like Katy Perry encouraged followers to contact lawmakers and oppose funding for the agency. Actors, including Pedro Pascal, have shared artistic tributes to the victims and broadened the conversation about structural issues in enforcement policy.

Beyond musicians and actors, organizations such as the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) have issued statements defending free speech and urging solidarity with protestors calling for justice.

What Eilish’s Call Signals

Eilish’s public challenge to her peers signals a moment where celebrity influence and political activism intersect in a high-stakes national issue. By urging fellow high-profile figures to speak out, she is not only commenting on the situation in Minneapolis but also attempting to shift broader cultural engagement with topics like federal agency oversight, civil rights, and policing tactics.

Her message — simple, direct, and aimed at a community with massive public reach — reflects a belief among some activists that louder, coordinated celebrity voices can amplify grassroots movements and push political leaders toward action.

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