Olivia Rodrigo has revealed she felt “enraged” upon discovering that US immigration authorities had used her music in an enforcement video without permission.
The 22-year-old Filipino-American pop star told Dazed Magazine she stumbled across the clip unexpectedly whilst browsing her phone.
“It was so deeply disturbing to see that propaganda, and the fact it was my song in there made me feel even more enraged,” she said.
The singer, who has previously been an outspoken critic of immigration enforcement practices, condemned the current political climate in America.
Olivia Rodrigo labelled the use of her song by ICE as ‘deeply disturbing’
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“What they are doing is so awful and barbaric and cruel. I am really sad to be in a country that thinks that is OK,” Ms Rodrigo added.
The controversy stems from a video posted by the Department of Homeland Security last November, which featured footage of ICE officers apprehending and removing immigrants from the country.
The clip was accompanied by a stark warning: “LEAVE NOW and self-deport using the CBP Home app. If you don’t, you will face the consequences.”
The track used was All-American B****, the opening song from Ms Rodrigo’s 2023 record Guts, with lyrics including “All the time, I am grateful all the time, I am sexy and I’m kind, I am pretty when I cry” playing over images of people of colour being detained.
Ms Rodrigo swiftly responded to the post with a comment that has since been removed, writing: “Don’t ever use my songs to promote your racist, hateful propaganda.”
The Department of Homeland Security responded to Ms Rodrigo’s criticism with a pointed rebuke, stating: “America is grateful all the time for our federal law enforcement officers who keep us safe.
“We suggest Ms. Rodrigo thank them for their service, not belittle their sacrifice.”
The Grammy-winning artist has continued to speak out against the agency in subsequent months.
Olivia Rodrigo hit out at the Department of Homeland Security
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In an interview with British Vogue in March, she described the use of her music as “awful” and “dystopian.”
“The way that ICE is ripping apart communities and terrorising people is so disturbing. It is a really sad, scary time,” she told the publication.
Rodrigo has remained steadfast in her opposition to the enforcement agency’s practices.
The singer has also been vocal about the Trump administration’s broader immigration policies.
Ms Rodrigo swiftly responded to the post with a comment that has since been removed
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Following ICE raids in Los Angeles last year, Ms Rodrigo took to Instagram to express her dismay, writing: “I have lived in LA my whole life, and I am deeply upset about these violent deportations of my neighbours under the current administration.
“LA simply would not exist without immigrants. Treating hardworking community members with such little respect, empathy, and due process is awful.”
Ms Rodrigo joins a growing list of musicians who have objected to President Donald Trump or his administration using their work without consent, including Beyoncé, the Rolling Stones and British singer Jess Glynne.
Ms Glynne expressed her displeasure last year when her music appeared in a White House deportation video, stating: “This post honestly makes me sick. My music is about love, unity, and spreading positivity never about division or hate.”