DHS Official Criticizes zach Bryan Song Addressing ICE Raids
WASHINGTON D.C. - A United States Department of homeland Security (DHS) official publicly rebuked country singer zach Bryan on October 7, 2025, over lyrics in a recently released song perceived as critical of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Tricia mclaughlin, assistant secretary of public affairs for DHS, suggested Bryan ”stick to ‘Pink Skies,'” a track from his 2024 album Teh Great American Bar Scene.
The rebuke follows a pattern of escalating responses from Trump management officials to artists expressing views on immigration policy. This incident underscores a growing tension between the current administration and musicians who address politically charged themes in their work, particularly as ICE has increased raids and mass deportations across the U.S. under the second Trump administration. The exchange highlights the administration’s sensitivity to criticism regarding its immigration enforcement policies and raises questions about the potential for further government responses to artistic expression.
McLaughlin’s statement, made to TMZ, came after Bryan released a song containing lyrics referencing ICE activity. The DHS official’s comment echoes similar actions taken earlier this year when Corey Lewandowski, a DHS advisor and President Donald J.Trump’s 2024 campaign manager, stated ICE agents would be present at the Super Bowl LX halftime show featuring Bad Bunny, who is Puerto Rican. Lewandowski made the statement following the proclamation of Bad Bunny’s performance.
This is not the first time artistic expression has intersected with ICE enforcement. Pitchfork’s “Off the Dome” column previously detailed the impact of ICE raids on the hometown of Texas rapper HOODLUM. As of publication, representatives for Zach Bryan have not responded to requests for comment.
