Pop star Renée Rapp took to the stage in Portland, Oregon, to express her outrage at Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and former President Donald Trump. In a shocking on-stage rant, she tore into the administration, using explicit language that left the audience stunned.
Rapp's comments came as Trump was attempting to deploy national guard troops to the city, citing its supposedly volatile situation. However, Governor Tina Kotek countered that there was no insurrection or threat to national security, and Portland Mayor Keith Wilson affirmed the city's sanctuary status for immigrants.
The singer-songwriter took a bold stance against ICE, echoing growing sentiment among musicians who have spoken out against the agency's activities. Chance the Rapper, Finneas (Billie Eilish's brother), Tyler, the Creator, Green Day's Billie Joe Armstrong, and Kehlani have all publicly criticized ICE in recent months.
The backlash against Trump's deployment of national guard troops was swift, with a federal judge blocking the move earlier this week. The Trump administration had claimed that its efforts aimed to "crush violent radical left terrorism," but officials on both sides disputed this characterization.
The Portland protests, which have been ongoing for months, have seen clashes between protesters and law enforcement, with some reports of tear gas and arrests. Despite the tension, many in attendance have used creative tactics to express their dissent, including inflatable costumes and naked bike rides.
Rapp's expletive-filled rant may have been a provocative statement, but it was not isolated – she joined a growing chorus of artists who are using their platforms to speak out against ICE and other Trump-era policies. As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: the voices of those being targeted by these actions will not be silenced.
Rapp's comments came as Trump was attempting to deploy national guard troops to the city, citing its supposedly volatile situation. However, Governor Tina Kotek countered that there was no insurrection or threat to national security, and Portland Mayor Keith Wilson affirmed the city's sanctuary status for immigrants.
The singer-songwriter took a bold stance against ICE, echoing growing sentiment among musicians who have spoken out against the agency's activities. Chance the Rapper, Finneas (Billie Eilish's brother), Tyler, the Creator, Green Day's Billie Joe Armstrong, and Kehlani have all publicly criticized ICE in recent months.
The backlash against Trump's deployment of national guard troops was swift, with a federal judge blocking the move earlier this week. The Trump administration had claimed that its efforts aimed to "crush violent radical left terrorism," but officials on both sides disputed this characterization.
The Portland protests, which have been ongoing for months, have seen clashes between protesters and law enforcement, with some reports of tear gas and arrests. Despite the tension, many in attendance have used creative tactics to express their dissent, including inflatable costumes and naked bike rides.
Rapp's expletive-filled rant may have been a provocative statement, but it was not isolated – she joined a growing chorus of artists who are using their platforms to speak out against ICE and other Trump-era policies. As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: the voices of those being targeted by these actions will not be silenced.