Cardi B has issued a bold warning to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents during the opening night of her new U.S. tour, declaring them unwelcome and jokingly threatening them with bear mace to safeguard her audience. The rapper made these remarks in Palm Desert, California, after performing a snippet of La Cucaracha and inquiring if any Guatemalan or Mexican fans were present.
Concert Remarks and Musical Performance
Following her comments, Cardi B launched into her 2018 hit single I Like It, a collaboration with J Balvin and Bad Bunny. This move highlighted her stance against ICE, which aligns with other musicians in the industry who have publicly criticized the agency. For instance, Bad Bunny and others have worn ICE out pins at recent awards shows, demonstrating a growing trend of artist activism on immigration issues.
Context of Immigration Enforcement
The rapper's warning comes amid significant developments in U.S. immigration policy. The Trump administration recently announced an end to the surge of immigration and law enforcement agents in Minnesota, a deployment that had sparked protests and resulted in two shooting deaths. This backdrop adds weight to Cardi B's statements, reflecting broader societal tensions over immigration enforcement.
Impact and Artist Solidarity
Cardi B's actions underscore a pattern of musicians using their platforms to advocate for immigrant rights. By threatening bear mace, she emphasized a protective stance towards her fans, many of whom may be from immigrant communities. This solidarity is part of a larger movement within the entertainment industry to challenge policies perceived as harsh or discriminatory.
Overall, Cardi B's concert remarks have drawn attention to the ongoing debates surrounding ICE and immigration, blending entertainment with political commentary in a way that resonates with her audience and peers alike.
