Pop star Chappell Roan’s anti-ICE tirade during a Los Angeles concert Friday night triggered a fiery response from the Department of Homeland Security.
Performing before thousands at Brookside at the Rose Bowl, the Missouri-born singer paused her set to reflect on her move to California and the challenges she faced while pursuing stardom.
Roan, known for chart-topping hit “Pink Pony Club,” reminisced about her nine years in Los Angeles and credited the city for shaping her career.
“I’ve been living here nine years. I’m originally from Missouri, and I had a really, really tough time the first five years,” she told the audience, recalling her early struggles.
Singer Chappell Roan says “F*** ICE forever” during a concert as she takes aim at the Trump Administration’s deportations.
— Oli London (@OliLondonTV) October 11, 2025
She said the city’s spirit inspired her deeply, particularly after witnessing communities unite following the devastating wildfires earlier this year.
“I loved LA more than ever when I saw how the community came together in Altadena to help, same with the Palisades,” she said.
“I just realized that I’m so lucky to be able to live here and to play here, and the city has taken care of me, and it’s my duty to take care of it back.”
But the tone shifted abruptly when Roan shouted, “F**k ICE forever!” and repeated it as the crowd erupted in cheers.
The chant quickly spread through social media, drawing attention from federal officials.
Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs at the Department of Homeland Security, quickly fired back in a statement to TMZ.
“Pink Pony Club is good. Pedophiles are bad. That’s who we’re getting off of our streets,” she said sharply. “Get a grip.”
The exchange marked yet another instance of Roan using her platform to promote progressive causes.
The singer has previously used her concerts to champion transgender activism, pledging a portion of ticket sales to organizations that support gender transition programs for minors.
Meanwhile, tensions surrounding immigration enforcement have intensified in Los Angeles County.
Earlier this week, county supervisors voted to declare a state of emergency in response to ongoing federal deportation operations.
Four members of the five-person Board of Supervisors supported the declaration, citing what they described as a “climate of fear” among residents who worry about leaving their homes or accessing public services.
Supervisor Lindsay Horvath said, “What’s happening in our communities is an emergency, and Los Angeles County is treating it like one.”
“Declaring a local emergency ensures that the full weight of county government is aligned to support our immigrant communities who are being targeted by federal actions,” she continued.
Fellow Supervisor Janice Hahn echoed the sentiment, calling the raids a “man-made disaster” and adding, “I want our residents to know that we are in this crisis with them — and I want us to have every tool at our disposal in this effort.”
Attorney General Pam Bondi denounced the move during an interview with Sean Hannity on Fox
News. When asked whether California’s plan to provide rent relief to those affected by deportation operations was illegal, Bondi responded bluntly: “It is.”
She then criticized Democrats for fundraising during the government shutdown, pointing out that federal law enforcement officers were likely missing paychecks due to the political stalemate.
Trump spokesperson Abigail Jackson also issued a pointed statement, declaring, “The real emergency is the countless criminal illegal aliens that Joe Biden let waltz across our Southern Border and terrorize American communities.”
BREAKING: In a statement to @FoxNews, ICE is blasting LA County’s vote today to declare a state of emergency over recent immigration raids, which will give LA County officials the power to provide taxpayer funded rent relief, legal aid, etc to people “affected” by ICE raids. 👇🏻 pic.twitter.com/V5upnuLfQK
— Bill Melugin (@BillMelugin_) October 15, 2025
“President Trump is fulfilling the promise he was elected on — deporting criminal aliens — whether Democrat politicians like it or not.”
Elsewhere, the immigration debate took a turn in Chicago, where a local judge signed an order prohibiting ICE from making arrests at Cook County courthouses.
The ruling prevents immigration officers from detaining anyone involved in court proceedings, including witnesses and defendants.
Judge Timothy Evans remarked that justice “depends on every individual’s ability to appear in court without fear or obstruction.”
The order was celebrated by progressive officials in Chicago, even as critics warned it would hinder law enforcement’s ability to remove dangerous individuals from the streets.
Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers joined the chorus of liberal voices criticizing federal immigration enforcement, using a pregame press conference ahead of Sunday’s matchup with the Chicago Bulls to weigh in.
The Chicago native described ICE actions in his hometown as “just awful.”
“It bothers me,” Rivers commented. “It’s just awful what you watch and see, people getting zip tied. I mean, that’s not this country. That’s not what we’re about.”
He went on to lavish praise on Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, whose approval ratings have plummeted amid violent crime and migrant crises.
“I think the mayor’s done an amazing job with everything he says,” Rivers insisted.
The coach also claimed that current immigration enforcement policies were dividing the nation.
“This is starting to separate us all, which I hate. You can be pro-civil rights or what’s right and not be anti-White. And I think that’s what it’s starting to become in some ways,” he said.
“I would hope that if this was Ukrainian immigrants being detained, that everyone would fight for it. That’s wrong. It’s just wrong.”
Rivers invoked his late father, a police officer in suburban Maywood, saying he would have opposed the Trump administration’s approach.
“My dad was a cop for Christ’s sakes. My dad would not be proud of this. My dad would have a major problem; I couldn’t imagine my dad going to work right now and have to protect ICE agents and doing what they’re doing,” he said.
He concluded by accusing ICE and the Trump administration of attempting to “create unrest.”