Renéé Rapp Criticizes ICE During Portland Concert Amid Protests
PORTLAND, Ore. – Singer Renéé Rapp used her concert in Portland, Oregon, on October 5, 2025, to voice strong opposition to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), sparking a national debate and drawing criticism from Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem. The performance occurred as protests unfolded outside the U.S. ICE headquarters in South Portland, where law enforcement deployed smoke grenades to disperse gathered individuals.
Rapp’s comments came during a period of heightened scrutiny regarding ICE’s enforcement practices and the ongoing debate over immigration policy in the United States. The incident highlights the increasing willingness of public figures to leverage their platforms to address politically charged issues, and the resulting backlash from those in positions of authority.
According to reports, Rapp directly criticized ICE during her performance, expressing her disapproval of the agency’s actions. The specific remarks have fueled a wider conversation about the treatment of immigrants and the role of ICE in enforcing immigration laws.
The controversy quickly caught the attention of DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, who publicly condemned the singer’s statements. “I hope she understands how completely disrespectful that song is, not just to law enforcement but to this country,” Noem stated in an interview with conservative commentator Benny Johnson.
The incident also ignited discussion within the country music community. Bryan Andrews, a fellow country artist, gained viral attention on TikTok with a video expressing his disagreement with the condemnation of ICE raids and those who support them. “Bulls—. You don’t get to call yourself a Christian and advocate and f—— laugh when families are torn apart outside of courthouses of peopel trying to come here the right ways,” Andrews said in the video.
DHS has not yet issued an official response to the incident beyond Secretary Noem’s comments. the situation underscores the growing intersection of entertainment, politics, and social activism, and the potential consequences for those who publicly engage in these debates.
(Carlos Barria/Reuters)
Gabriel Hays is an associate editor for Fox news Digital.
