Pop star Olivia Rodrigo has taken aim at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following the fatal shooting of an American citizen in Minneapolis, Minnesota on January 24, 2026. Her comments come amid growing national controversy and protests over federal immigration enforcement tactics.
The victim, 37 year old Alex Pretti, an intensive care unit (ICU) nurse at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, was killed during a federal immigration enforcement operation. Pretti’s death has sparked widespread outrage across the U.S. and renewed calls for accountability over the conduct of ICE and other federal agents.
Reacting to the incident on her Instagram Stories, the 22 year old singer shared posts from digital creator Ben Sheehan encouraging people to contact senators to oppose additional funding for ICE, including a guide to help supporters “call your senators about ICE.”
Rodrigo then issued her own message, writing:
“ICE’s actions are unconscionable but we are not powerless. our actions matter. I stand with Minnesota.” (sic)
Her statement aligns with a broader wave of reactions from artists and the public, who have voiced support for protesters in Minnesota and called for changes to federal immigration policy.
This is not the first time Rodrigo has spoken out against immigration enforcement. She previously criticized the Department of Homeland Security after one of her songs was used without authorization in a government video promoting deportation efforts — a post she denounced as “racist, hateful propaganda,” leading to the soundtrack’s removal.
Rodrigo’s latest remarks come as public protests continue in Minneapolis and beyond, with demonstrators calling for justice for Pretti and accountability for ICE’s actions. Political leaders and civil rights groups are also debating federal immigration tactics, funding for Homeland Security, and protections for civilians during enforcement operations.