Olivia Rodrigo Speaks Out Against ICE Raids: “L.A. Simply Wouldn’t Exist Without Immigrants”
As protests erupt across Los Angeles in response to recent immigration raids, pop star Olivia Rodrigo is using her voice and platform to stand in solidarity with immigrants and the diverse communities that call Southern California home.
The 22-year-old singer and actress, who grew up in Temecula and later moved to L.A. to pursue her acting career, took to Instagram on Saturday (June 14) amid a wave of public outcry. The cause? Coordinated U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids carried out across multiple work sites in Los Angeles—raids that many are calling aggressive and unjust.
Rodrigo, best known for her chart-topping hits like “drivers license” and “vampire,” didn’t mince words when sharing her thoughts. “I’ve lived in L.A. my whole life and I’m deeply upset about these violent deportations of my neighbors under the current administration,” she wrote in an Instagram Story post. “L.A. simply wouldn’t exist without immigrants.”
Her message continued: “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. I stand for our right to freedom of speech and freedom to protest.”
Rodrigo also included a link to a “Know Your Rights” resource hosted by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), encouraging her millions of fans to educate themselves and others about how to respond safely during interactions with immigration enforcement. In a follow-up post, she shared a photo from a local protest featuring a handmade sign that read “in our USA” with a crown symbol crossed out — likely referencing the “No Kings Day” demonstrations, which coincided with former President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday and featured protests against his leadership and authoritarian-like policies.
Rodrigo isn’t alone in her stance. A growing number of artists have spoken out in recent days following not only the ICE raids but also the deployment of National Guard troops across the city—a move that many California officials have criticized as inflammatory and unconstitutional. Among those voicing outrage are Tyler, The Creator, Finneas, Kehlani, The Game, Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day, Tom Morello, Reneé Rapp, and Rebecca Black.
Tyler, The Creator posted “F—K ICE” on his Instagram Story, alongside a clip from the 2002 crime drama Paid in Full where the phrase is chanted repeatedly. Finneas, a Grammy-winning artist and frequent collaborator with his sister Billie Eilish, described being tear-gassed at what he called a peaceful protest in downtown L.A. “They’re inciting this,” he wrote, calling out the authorities for escalating tensions.
For Rodrigo, her message was personal and powerful. As the daughter of a Filipino father and someone who’s built her life in a city shaped by immigrants, she reminded fans that Los Angeles’ strength lies in its diversity. Her words echoed a truth many Angelenos know well: the soul of L.A. is rooted in the stories, struggles, and contributions of immigrants.