White House Responds to Celebrity Criticism of ICE at Grammy Awards

Caroline Levitt, the White House press secretary, pushed back against comments made by celebrities targeting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during the Grammy Awards. She claimed that celebrities are unfairly criticizing federal officials while remaining insulated from the issues stemming from illegal immigration.

Levitt pointed out the irony of public figures who live in secure environments and spend substantial amounts on personal security while denigrating those who enforce the law. “It’s sad to see this,” she remarked in a media discussion outdoors.

During the awards on Sunday night, prominent music artists expressed their disdain for the Trump administration and ICE. Notable figures like Justin and Hailey Bieber, Kehlani, Joni Mitchell, Carole King, and Brandi Carlile were seen wearing “ICE out” pins. Pop singer Billie Eilish remarked, “No one is an illegal alien on stolen land,” adding that there’s a pressing need for advocacy and protest, emphasizing that their voices truly matter.

“So, ICE, all I have to say is this: I’m sorry,” Levitt commented.

She elaborated on the ongoing immigration challenges and highlighted notable crimes, like the murders of Laken Riley and Jocelyn Nangarei, allegedly committed by undocumented immigrants, suggesting that many in Hollywood have remained silent on these issues during Biden’s administration.

Levitt claimed that the previous administration’s policies had allowed a surge across the borders, leading to violent incidents affecting innocent individuals. Yet, she noted, there seemed to be little outcry from Hollywood when it came to law enforcement doing their jobs then.

In recent weeks, both Democrats and celebrities have increasingly voiced opposition to the Trump administration’s immigration policies. This has become especially prominent since federal agents launched investigations in Minnesota earlier this year.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem also weighed in on the criticism directed at ICE from the Grammy attendees, asserting that ICE officers are indeed good people working to uphold safety by targeting serious criminals.

Noem emphasized, “Their families live there, and they are the neighbors they protect by taking dangerous criminals off the streets.” She reiterated the role of ICE in safeguarding communities from murderers, rapists, and drug traffickers.