Jenna Ortega, known for her dynamic roles and outspoken nature, has emerged as a key advocate for social justice, amplifying the movement of Jenna Ortega activism against ICE raids and global injustice as unrest shakes cities across the United States and globally. Following a recent surge in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity and rising humanitarian crises, Ortega has used her platform to call for attention, solidarity, and action during these turbulent times.
Ortega Uses Her Platform Amid ICE Raids and Demonstrations
Ortega, the 22-year-old actress recognized for her performance in Wednesday, took to social media as mounting protests broke out in response to renewed ICE raids under President Donald Trump’s administration. These actions have particularly targeted immigrant-heavy neighborhoods in cities such as Los Angeles, resulting in dozens of arrests and igniting widespread outrage and activism.
Los Angeles has become a focal point, with peaceful protests marking the early days of resistance, confined initially to downtown streets. Despite the predominantly non-violent nature of these demonstrations, recent days have seen worrying escalation, including incidents where cars were set ablaze and clashes erupted between protestors and federal officers. The impact quickly spread to other major cities, with New York, Seattle, Chicago, Austin, Las Vegas, and Washington, D.C. seeing similar marches. Even as far as Spokane, Washington, a state of emergency was declared after ICE-related protests disrupted significant roadways.
Ortega, observant of the unfolding events, channeled her emotions through social media, declaring,
The world is crying all over,
—Jenna Ortega, Actress. She continued to emphasize the gravity of the situation affecting communities at home and abroad:
People in LA are being torn away from their everyday lives & love… The ones they’ve built so tirelessly over the years, just like you. Innocent civilians in Iran are caught in the middle of warfare… Palestinian cries are still being buried in everyday media.
—Jenna Ortega, Actress.
Calling for Greater Empathy and Informed Engagement
In her latest appeals, Ortega spoke directly to feelings of confusion and despair many are experiencing in the face of ongoing injustice. The You actress stressed the importance of remaining alert and empathetic, encouraging her followers not to withdraw from the suffering of others, no matter how overwhelming the circumstances may seem.
She wrote,
My thoughts are heavy, my heart follows. It is normal to feel confused and hopeless during this time, but I strongly advise you never stop paying attention,
—Jenna Ortega, Actress. Her words resonated as she questioned,
How can we care about anything else as human freedoms spanning across seas are being violated with such violence?
—Jenna Ortega, Actress.
This rallying cry places Ortega among a growing number of young activists like Olivia Rodrigo and influencers using their reach to demand accountability and compassion. Reflecting the sense of urgency, Ortega closed her message stating,
Listen to one another and love. But be angry too. Educate yourself as best you can. To say this doesn’t concern you, or that it isn’t your problem, is a privilege under abuse.
—Jenna Ortega, Actress.
Ortega’s Consistent Stand for Human Rights
Ortega’s commitment to social justice is longstanding. In 2019, as lawmakers in Alabama passed a highly restrictive abortion law, Ortega publicly condemned the move. Through heartfelt posts, she described the legislation as unjust and dangerous for women across the country.
She stated,
I am truly saddened by the Alabama Abortion Law that was just passed, which is clearly an attack on Women’s Fundamental Rights. This is sickening, disappointing, and unconstitutional. Why are we moving backwards as a country?
—Jenna Ortega, Actress. Ortega left no ambiguity about her position, repeatedly calling the law
clearly an attack on Women’s Fundamental Rights
—Jenna Ortega, Actress, and voicing deep disappointment at what she saw as a reversal of progress.
Joining the ‘Bans Off Our Bodies’ Abortion Rights Movement
In 2022, Ortega’s advocacy extended to the national level as she joined a group of artists and celebrities, such as Olivia Rodrigo and over 158 others, to publicly denounce threats to abortion rights. This collective signed a full-page ad in The New York Times, supporting the Planned Parenthood Action Fund’s “Bans Off Our Bodies” campaign, as the Supreme Court considered overturning Roe v. Wade. Their collaboration sought to raise public consciousness and defend reproductive freedoms amid a changing legal landscape.
Protests in Los Angeles Turn Turbulent After ICE Raids
Unrest in Los Angeles grew more intense on June 6 following a wave of federal immigration enforcement actions. High-profile officials, including Mayor Karen Bass and Governor Gavin Newsom of California, quickly expressed public condemnation of these raids, affirming their commitment to supporting immigrants residing within their jurisdictions.
Initially sparked by community resistance to immigration policies, the protests soon escalated as confrontations between demonstrators and federal officers led to chaotic scenes—some protestors hurled objects, while chaos and flames filled city streets. Online footage documented instances of looting, burning vehicles, and extensive disruptions to city traffic, amplifying the sense of emergency gripping the city and reflecting mounting anger nationwide.
Against this storm, Jenna Ortega remains an important voice powering Gen Z activism, standing alongside activists, influencers, and artists determined to draw attention to human rights violations locally and around the world. Her outspoken presence and repeated calls for awareness, empathy, and active engagement underscore the growing impact of social media in shaping resistance and solidarity at a time of heightened tension and sorrow.
