Kehlani Calls Out ICE Agents Who Enjoy Her Music

The Oakland-based R&B singer Kehlani has issued a public directive to employees of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), demanding that they cease supporting her work and avoid interacting with her in public.

In an Instagram story posted on April 6, 2026, Kehlani told ICE agents to delete all my music and stated that she is dead to those employed by the agency. She further instructed these individuals not to acknowledge her, ask for photographs, or offer compliments.

This social media announcement serves as a continuation of the artist’s public opposition to the federal immigration enforcement agency, a stance she has highlighted during major industry events.

Grammy Awards and Political Statements

Kehlani’s recent comments follow her activities during the Grammy Awards in February 2026. During that event, she won two awards: Best R&B Performance and Best R&B Song for her track Folded.

While accepting these honors, the singer used her platform to criticize the agency. She also wore an ICE out pin, which she noted was intended to show solidarity with anti-ICE protests following the deaths of U.S. Citizens at the hands of agency agents.

Everyone is so powerful in this room. Together, we’re stronger in numbers to speak against all the injustice going on in the world right now.

Kehlani, Grammy acceptance speech

In a subsequent interview with the Hollywood Reporter, Kehlani admitted that she wished the message on her pin had been more aggressive, stating she wanted it to say F**k ICE but felt the need to maintain some couth on the carpet.

She described herself as couth-less ruthless and argued that it is brainless for a powerful group of artists to gather in one room without making a statement regarding the state of the country.

Public and Online Response

The Instagram post triggered a variety of reactions from the public and her fanbase. While many supporters agreed with her position, other commenters questioned the effectiveness of the gesture.

Some critics argued that the singer’s words amounted to lip service, noting that the immigration agency has existed for more than two decades and that celebrity statements do not result in employees quitting their jobs.

One commenter specifically noted that being a celebrity and a star are two totally different things and suggested that no one within the agency would be losing sleep over the singer’s demands.

Kehlani has expressed hope that other artists will be inspired to join together as a community to speak out against the increasing presence of the agency across cities in the United States.