Ariana Grande has demanded the White House cease using her music after one of her songs was featured in a social media video promoting immigration arrests. The pop star discovered that her 2024 track Bye had been used in a TikTok montage showing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents detaining and handcuffing individuals.
Grande's Public Condemnation
Grande publicly condemned the post, writing in a comment on the video: 'Please do not ever use my music in relation to this barbaric, inhumane, heinous nonsense.' She later added a stronger statement: 'F*** ICE.' The clip, shared by the White House's official TikTok account, celebrated President Donald Trump's immigration policies and paired footage of arrests with Grande's chart-topping hit. Following the singer's objection, the song was removed from the video.
Background on ICE Criticism
ICE has faced intense scrutiny in recent years over its large-scale deportation efforts, workplace raids, and detention practices. In January, the killings of two American citizens by immigration officers sparked fears about heavy-handed government tactics, leading to nationwide protests. While supporters argue the agency is essential for enforcing immigration laws and national security, critics raise concerns about civil rights violations, racial profiling, and conditions inside detention facilities.
According to Grande's representatives, her comment was genuine, though it was reportedly not publicly visible on the platform. Sources indicated that her team worked swiftly to have the music removed. The White House responded quickly, with spokesperson Abigail Jackson stating: 'We'll say this one last time: what's actually barbaric, inhumane, and heinous are the criminal illegal aliens who have injured and murdered innocent American citizens.'
Grande's History of Political Activism
This clash is the latest chapter in Grande's long-running criticism of Trump-era policies. The pop superstar has repeatedly spoken out on immigration, LGBTQ+ rights, and reproductive healthcare. She endorsed former Vice President Kamala Harris during the 2024 election and has shared posts condemning immigration raids and the treatment of migrant families.
The Trump administration has frequently found itself at odds with musicians over the use of popular songs. A growing list of artists, including Sabrina Carpenter and Jess Glynne, have objected to their music appearing in White House videos and political content, particularly those related to immigration enforcement.
Grande's Current Activities
For Grande, the issue appears to be less about copyright and more about the footage's representation. The singer is currently touring in support of her latest music and preparing for new material, but she made it clear that she does not want her songs serving as the soundtrack to immigration raids.
