Pop superstar Olivia Rodrigo. ARCHIVE

Pop superstar Olivia Rodrigo has spoken out against the recent wave of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in Los Angeles, describing them as “violent deportations” that have shaken immigrant communities. “I've lived in LA my whole life and I'm deeply upset about these violent deportations of my neighbors under the current administration,” Rodrigo posted on Instagram Stories. “LA simply wouldn't exist without immigrants. Treating hardworking community members with such little respect, empathy, and due process is awful. I stand with the beautiful, diverse community of Los Angeles and with immigrants all across America.” Rodrigo, known for her chart-topping hits like “Drivers License,” used her platform to highlight legal resources for undocumented immigrants by linking to the American Civil Liberties Union’s (ACLU) “Know Your Rights” page. The page offers guidance on what to do during encounters with law enforcement or ICE (Immigration Customs Enforcement) agents. “I stand for our right to freedom of speech and freedom to protest,” she added. Her statement came days after widespread unrest in Los Angeles. Riots erupted around June 6 following ICE raids in immigrant neighborhoods. In response, then-President Donald Trump deployed National Guard officers to quell the violence, which left several businesses in ruins. Rodrigo also shared a protest photo showing a handmade sign reading “No Kings” — referencing demonstrations against Trump’s immigration policies and the symbolic military displays in Washington, D.C. The protest was part of the nationwide “No Kings Day” movement, aimed at opposing authoritarian leadership and promoting civil liberties. Rodrigo’s advocacy on immigration is personal. In a previous interview, she recounted being mistakenly detained by US Border Patrol while entering from Canada. She was held and interrogated for nearly 30 minutes before being released. “He scared me,” she said of the federal officer who confused her with another individual named Olivia Rodriguez. Rodrigo joins a growing number of artists and public figures voicing their disapproval of immigration enforcement tactics and calling for systemic reform. ICA/Expat Media
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