Pop star Katy Perry has joined other prominent celebrities in calling on U.S. citizens to contact their senators and oppose a proposed $10 billion increase in funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The appeal follows a series of controversial incidents during a recent federal crackdown on illegal immigration, during which ICE agents have been linked to fatal shootings.
Reports indicate that the agency’s enforcement strength has expanded significantly under President Donald Trump, growing from about 10,000 agents to roughly 22,000.
In recent weeks, ICE officers have been implicated in the deaths of two individuals. Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old legal observer, was reportedly shot and killed inside her car by an ICE officer during a protest. Separately, Alex Pretti, an intensive care unit (ICU) nurse, was shot multiple times and killed last Saturday after recording ICE officers during an operation.
Following Pretti’s death, ICE described him as a “local terrorist” allegedly targeting law enforcement. However, activists and witnesses have disputed this account, claiming he was restrained before being shot.
Perry took to Instagram, sharing a series of slides that included a detailed script for her followers to use when calling their senators. She warned that lawmakers have until January 30 to stop the additional funding, which would come on top of ICE’s existing $75 billion budget.
“We have until Friday, January 30th to block $10 billion (on top of the $75b that’s already been funded) from going through to ICE,” Perry wrote to her more than 200 million followers.
“Because it’s time to turn anger into action. Call (202) 224-3121 and ask to speak with your senator.
“Hi Senator, My name is (Your Name) and I’m a (n) (your state) resident.
“I’m calling to urge you to filibuster the upcoming Homeland Security Appropriation Bill. I’m sick of watching lawful citizens and noncitizens being arrested at their jobs assaulted at peaceful protests, pulled out of their vehicles, blinded by munitions, getting shot and killed by ICE.
“We will be watching your vote – and we will remember.
“Again my name is (your name) and my contact info is (your phone number and/ or email).”
Perry’s stance aligns with similar criticism from other celebrities. Actor Pedro Pascal has called for a nationwide strike and the dismantling of ICE, alleging that the agency has been responsible for nine deaths since the beginning of the year. Singer Billie Eilish has also shared videos online showing what she described as violent attacks by ICE officers on U.S. citizens.
