Lady Gaga Condemns ICE Treatment of Families at Tokyo Concert

While performing at the Tokyo Dome on Thursday night, Lady Gaga paused her show to address the actions of ICE agents in Minneapolis. Introducing her song “Come to Mama,” she spoke passionately about the need for unity and accountability.

“We need to get back to a place of safety and peace and accountability,” she told the audience. “Good people shouldn’t have to fight so hard and risk their lives for well-being and respect. And I hope our leaders are listening; I hope you’re listening to us ask you to change your course of action swiftly and have mercy on everyone in our country. At a time where it doesn’t feel like it’s easy to have hope, it is my community and my friends, my family that hold me up.”

She acknowledged the unusual setting for her speech but emphasized the importance of the issue, especially with her return to the United States imminent. "In a couple of days, I’m gonna be heading home, and my heart is aching thinking about the people — the children, the families, all over America — who are being mercilessly targeted by ICE,” she said, drawing loud applause. "I’m thinking about all of their pain and how their lives are being destroyed right in front of us. I’m also thinking about Minnesota and everyone back at home who is living in so much fear and searching for answers on what we all should do. When entire communities lose their sense of safety and belonging, it breaks something in all of us.”

She dedicated “Come to Mama,” from her album Joanne, to those suffering and feeling alone, urging the crowd to “stand with us.”

Lady Gaga has one more show in Tokyo before heading back to the States for the Grammy Awards, where she's nominated seven times. Following the awards, she will resume her Mayhem Ball tour, starting with a two-night engagement at Glendale, Arizona’s Desert Diamond Arena on Valentine’s Day, and two dates in St. Paul, Minnesota in April.

ICE agents have been active in Minnesota’s largest city since late December. On January 7th, they killed Renee Good, an unarmed U.S. citizen, and on January 24th, they killed Alex Pretti. These killings have sparked widespread protests and outrage, with state and federal authorities disagreeing on the circumstances surrounding each death.

Amidst the controversy, Tom Homan, the Trump administration’s “border czar,” addressed the situation, stating that the president “wants this fixed” and acknowledging the need for improvements in the federal government’s mission, according to The New York Times. Several states, including New York and California, have been actively pushing back against ICE's actions.

Other celebrities, including Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo, and Pedro Pascal, have voiced their condemnation of ICE. Bruce Springsteen released a protest song, “Streets of Minneapolis,” in response to the recent killings. Tom Morello is set to lead a protest concert in the city, titled A Concert of Solidarity & Resistance to Defend Minnesota, featuring Rise Against, Al di Meola, and others.

Related Articles

• Lady Gaga Condemns ICE Actions During Tokyo Concert, Calls for "Mercy"
• Springsteen's "Streets of Minneapolis" Ignites White House Response and Sparks Debate
• Bruce Springsteen Unleashes Fiery Protest Song 'Streets of Minneapolis' Against Trump's ICE Policies

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