Tyler, The Creator has once again voiced his opposition to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and extended his criticism to supporters of former President Donald Trump. The Grammy-winning artist shared a pointed message on his Instagram Story on Tuesday, , reigniting a conversation about ICE’s actions and the political climate surrounding immigration policy.
The post, reported by Billboard and Rap-Up, features a clip from the 2002 film Paid in Full. In the scene, Mekhi Phifer’s character, Mitch, emphatically declares, “F**k Ice,” repeatedly dismissing the influence of the character played by Ron Cephas Jones. Tyler paired the clip with a direct message: “Again. And anyone that voted for that man,” widely interpreted as a reference to Donald Trump.
This isn’t the first time Tyler has used this particular scene to express his discontent. He previously shared the same Paid in Full excerpt last during protests in Los Angeles following President Trump’s decision to deploy the National Guard to the city. The recurring use of the clip underscores the artist’s sustained commitment to speaking out against ICE and, implicitly, the policies of the Trump administration.
The renewed criticism comes in the wake of escalating tensions surrounding the death of Alex Jeffrey Pretti, who was fatally shot by a federal agent during a protest in Minneapolis on . Pretti’s death, along with that of Renee Good earlier in the month, has fueled protests across the nation and drawn condemnation from artists and activists alike. Reports indicate Pretti, an ICU nurse, may have been attempting to protect a woman from an agent when he was shot, a detail contested by the Trump administration, which claimed the officer acted in self-defense.
Witness videos, however, appear to contradict the administration’s account, suggesting Pretti was not holding a weapon at the time of the shooting. The 37-year-old had a permit to carry a concealed handgun in Minnesota, according to the Associated Press. The circumstances surrounding Pretti’s death have become a focal point for criticism of ICE’s tactics and the broader debate over police accountability.
Tyler, The Creator is not alone in his condemnation of ICE. Olivia Rodrigo has also spoken out, stating on social media, “ICE’s actions are unconscionable, but we are not powerless. Our actions matter. I stand with Minnesota.” Bruce Springsteen recently released a protest song honoring Good and Pretti, further amplifying the artistic community’s response to the situation.
The artist’s activism arrives as he prepares for the on , where he is nominated in multiple categories. His album CHROMAKOPIA is up for Album of the Year, Best Rap Album, and Best Album Cover. Singles “Darling, I” and “Sticky” are nominated for Best Rap Performance and Best Rap Song, respectively. DON’T TAP THE GLASS is in contention for Best Alternative Music Album.
Despite facing competition from established artists like Clipse and Kendrick Lamar in several categories, Tyler’s Grammy nominations represent a significant moment in his career. His willingness to use his platform to address social and political issues, even during a high-profile awards season, demonstrates a commitment to activism that extends beyond his music. The intersection of his artistic success and his outspoken stance on ICE and the Trump administration highlights the growing trend of artists leveraging their influence to advocate for social change.
The timing of Tyler’s Instagram Story, coinciding with the Grammy nominations and ongoing protests, suggests a deliberate effort to keep the conversation about ICE and its impact on communities at the forefront. His use of a culturally resonant clip from Paid in Full adds another layer of meaning, connecting the current situation to a history of systemic issues and challenging viewers to consider the broader context of ICE’s actions.
