On February 16, during the 41st Film Independent Spirit Awards, several prominent actors, including Tessa Thompson and Natasha Rothwell, openly criticized Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The protest was part of a growing movement among celebrities to denounce ICE’s actions and policies. The focus on Tessa Thompson ICE protest brought attention to the controversial role of immigration enforcement in the United States.
Alongside Rothwell and Thompson, Emily V. Gordon, Lake Bell, and Kumail Nanjiani wore buttons labeled “ICE Out” to express solidarity. Natasha Rothwell used the opportunity to address the audience directly before presenting an award, making her stance unmistakably clear.
Direct Condemnation of ICE During the Ceremony
Natasha Rothwell boldly stated,
“I’m gonna go to the prompter, but I just want to say, ‘[Explicit] ICE,’”
bringing the crowd’s attention to the harsh treatment associated with immigration officials. This condemnation came amid heightened scrutiny following ICE-related incidents in January, when American citizens Renee Good and Alex Pretti were killed by immigration officials.
This protest echoes similar demonstrations by other stars in recent weeks. At the Grammy Awards on February 1, notable musicians including Bad Bunny, Billie Eilish, and Olivia Dean also voiced their opposition to ICE during their acceptance speeches, highlighting the issue on one of the biggest entertainment platforms.
Voices from the Grammys Condemning ICE Actions
Bad Bunny declared,
“ICE out. We’re not savage. We’re not animals. We’re not aliens. We are humans and we are Americans,”
emphasizing shared humanity over division. He also added,
“The only thing that is more powerful than hate is love,”
a message he reiterated during his Super Bowl halftime show.
Olivia Dean, accepting the Grammy for Best New Artist, connected her identity to the immigrant experience by saying,
“I just wanna say I’m up here as a granddaughter of an immigrant,”
further affirming that immigrant bravery deserves recognition. Billie Eilish expressed a similar stance with,
“No one is illegal on stolen land,”
challenging immigration enforcement on moral grounds.
Support at Other Major Awards Shows
Other award ceremonies have also taken up the cause. At the Golden Globes, actors Mark Ruffalo, Wanda Sykes, Natasha Lyonne, and Jean Smart wore pins to honor Renee Good, further highlighting the ongoing concerns related to immigration enforcement and its consequences.
Implications for Ongoing Debates on Immigration Enforcement
The protests by Tessa Thompson, Natasha Rothwell, and others at these high-profile events underscore continuous public opposition to ICE’s methods and policies. As the controversy surrounding deadly ICE raids and immigration enforcement continues, such demonstrations raise awareness and maintain pressure on authorities. These moments of celebrity activism are likely to influence public dialogue and could impact future policy discussions related to immigration in the United States.
