Katy Perry has called on her fellow citizens to oppose the funding of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations.
In recent months, ICE agents have undertaken raids in cities across America as part of President Donald Trump’s pledge to crack down on illegal immigration.
But following the fatal shooting of nurse Alex Pretti by U.S. Border Patrol agents in Minneapolis, Minnesota at the weekend, Perry took to Instagram on Monday to urge her 201 million followers to take a stand against the ICE initiative.
Across several slides, the Firework hitmaker declared, “Turn anger into ACTION”, “Who: You, the power is in your hands”, and “What: Call your senators.”
“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,” she continued. “Where: Call (202) 224-3121. Why: Because it’s time to turn anger into action.”
Elsewhere, the 41-year-old – who is dating former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau – included a script that people can use when calling senators.
“I’m calling to urge you to filibuster the upcoming Homeland Security Appropriations 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, and getting shot and killed by ICE,” the letter reads. “We will be watching your vote – and we will remember.”
Pretti is the second American citizen to be killed amid the ICE operation in Minnesota. On 7 January, Renée Good was shot by an agent while in her car. Trump and law enforcement officials defended the shooting, alleging the officer acted in self-defence.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Governor Tim Walz have called on Trump to end ICE’s presence in the city, and on Monday, the American politician confirmed that he had been having discussions with local leaders.
“I just had a very good telephone conversation with Mayor Jacob Frey, of Minneapolis. Lots of progress is being made! (Trump’s border tsar) Tom Homan will be meeting with him tomorrow in order to continue the discussion. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” the 79-year-old stated on his Truth Social platform.
