Cardi B Leads Concert Protest Against ICE, Joining Grammy Stars' Political Stand
Cardi B launched a fiery protest against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement during the opening night of her Little Miss Drama Tour in Palm Desert, California, on Wednesday. The rapper's bold statements ignited the arena, marking a significant moment in a growing trend of celebrity activism that has recently dominated the Grammy Awards.
Concert Stage Becomes Political Platform
Midway through her performance, Cardi B climbed onto an elevated platform while performing La Cucaracha and directly engaged the crowd. She asked if any Guatemalans or Mexicans were present before delivering a warning that sent shockwaves through the venue: 'Bitch, if ICE comes in here, we gonna jump they asses.'
The rapper maintained the defiant energy, joking about having bear mace backstage and declaring 'They ain't taking my fans, b*tch' before transitioning into her hit song I Like It. This high-profile gesture represents Cardi B's most direct political statement to date regarding immigration enforcement policies.
Grammy Awards Spark Protest Movement
Cardi B's concert protest follows a wave of political activism that transformed the recent Grammy Awards into a platform for immigration reform advocacy. Numerous stars including Justin Bieber, Billie Eilish, Kehlani, and Joni Mitchell displayed tiny 'ICE OUT' pins on the red carpet, while several used their acceptance speeches to deliver pointed messages.
Bad Bunny made headlines when accepting the Best Música Urbana Album award, telling the audience: 'Before I say, "Thank God," I'm going to say, "ICE out." We're not savage. We're not animals. We're not aliens. We are humans and we are Americans.'
Billie Eilish echoed similar sentiments while accepting Song of the Year, stating she doesn't need to say much more than that 'no one is illegal on stolen land' before urging continued protest and bluntly adding 'our voices matter, the people matter, and f*** ICE.'
Lorde's Substantial Financial Contribution
Beyond symbolic gestures, some artists have taken concrete financial action. Lorde caused significant attention with a $204,000 donation from her Minneapolis tour merchandise sales to immigrant rights organizations. The New Zealand singer, 29, revealed on Instagram that proceeds from her sold-out Ultrasound World Tour would support the Minnesota Immigration Rights Action Committee and the Immigrant Defense Network.
The pop provocateur accompanied her announcement with a hand-scrawled 'ICE OUT' message on social media, prompting enthusiastic responses from fans on platforms like Reddit where many celebrated both the gesture and the substantial donation amount.
Celebrity Activism Faces Criticism
Not all observers have welcomed this surge of celebrity political engagement. Ricky Gervais reignited his long-running criticism of outspoken celebrities on Sunday, specifically targeting Grammy winners who used acceptance speeches to critique U.S. immigration policies.
The 64-year-old English comedian resurfaced a quote from his scathing 2020 Golden Globes monologue on social media, posting: 'If you do win an award tonight, don't use it as a platform to make a political speech. You're in no position to lecture the public about anything.'
Gervais added 'They're still not listening,' referencing the dozens of artists who wore 'ICE OUT' pins and spoke against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement from the stage at Los Angeles' Crypto.com Arena during the Grammy ceremony.
Personal Context for Cardi B's Protest
Cardi B's tour opener and political statement comes amid rumors of her split from American football player Stefon Diggs. The rapper, 33, and the New England Patriots wide receiver, 32, are believed to have parted ways after fans noted she unfollowed him on Instagram.
Earlier this week, Cardi B seemed to hint that her relationship with Diggs might be over, just days after his team fell short in Super Bowl LX. She shared Instagram content recapping her Super Bowl experience that notably excluded Diggs, who is the father of her youngest child. Following the Patriots' loss to the Seattle Seahawks, fans observed that Cardi B didn't comment on the game's outcome, instead posting a clip of herself dancing during Bad Bunny's halftime performance.
Daily Mail has reached out to Cardi B's representatives for comment regarding both her political statements and personal circumstances.
