Ariana Grande has joined the many famous faces urging Americans to protest against ICE, however the conditions of the protest has led many to blast the singer.
Many in the US are encouraging Americans to join nationwide shutdowns, with the demand coming after the killing of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse in Minneapolis on Saturday.
Two US Customs and Border Protection agents have been placed on administrative leave following the fatal shooting, which sparked renewed demonstrations in Minnesota and nationwide condemnation.
Politicians from both major parties are demanding the removal of the Homeland Security secretary.
Ariana Grande's post sparked a divided response in the comments
|A preliminary DHS report submitted to Congress indicates both officers discharged their weapons during a physical confrontation with Mr Pretti.
Earlier official statements had claimed the victim had drawn a firearm.
CBP confirmed the agents were taken off duty in accordance with standard procedures. Previously recorded footage reveals an encounter between Mr Pretti and federal officers 11 days prior to his death.
Me Grande joined other celebrities in sharing an Instagram Story calling for a "nationwide shutdown" protest for January 30, but some have slammed her for prompting others to risk their jobs while she herself is a multi-millionaire.
Ariana Grande called for a nationwide shutdown
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Taking to X, one penned: "Imagine millionaires telling YOU to skip work. You can’t make this stuff up."
"Things that won't affect her one bit," a second person wrote.
"Girl, PLEASE! We have families and responsibilities and don’t live in an ivory tower," another echoed.
Someone else argued: "She doesn’t work anyways lmao she’s a multi millionaire."
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Protests against ICE have swept America
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"How out of touch. Not everyone is a millionaire," someone else added.
Another added: "Cognitive dissonance, some people just can't opt out of life to 'make a point.'"
Others applauded the Wicked star though, with another writing: "Ariana really using her voice If people actually join tomorrow, it could make a big difference. Imagine everyone standing together for change."
"Ariana is not only beautiful in appearance but also in spirit," one more agreed. (sic)
Ariana Grande shared her thoughts on the ICE protests
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Meanwhile, outrage continues over ICE. Democratic Representative Joaquín Castro visited five-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos on Wednesday at the Dilley detention facility in Texas, where the boy is being held alongside his father.
The child, apprehended on January 20 in Minneapolis, "is no longer the same" according to his father, sleeping excessively and showing signs of depression.
A federal judge has halted their deportation proceedings indefinitely.
Chief Judge Patrick J. Schiltz has summoned Todd Lyons, acting ICE director, to appear before a Minnesota federal court on Friday.
The judge described this extraordinary measure as justified by the agency's repeated failure to comply with court orders concerning bond hearings for detained immigrants.