Katy Perry and other U.S. celebrities are urging citizens to contact senators after the deaths of two U.S. citizens during a federal immigration operation in Minnesota. Perry asked followers to oppose funding for ICE, while figures such as Pedro Pascal and Billie Eilish posted tributes and calls to action. The NBA players' union said athletes "can no longer remain silent," even as administration officials call the killings self‑defense and video evidence raises doubts. These appeals add momentum to protests and pressure on lawmakers considering immigration enforcement funding.
Minnesota Shootings Spark Celebrity Calls To Action — Katy Perry, Others Urge Citizens To Pressure Lawmakers
Katy Perry performs at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, California, U.S., July 15, 2025. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni/File Photo
WASHINGTON, Jan 26 — Singer Katy Perry and a number of U.S. celebrities have urged the public to contact lawmakers and speak out after two U.S. citizens were killed during a federal immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota amid a heightened Trump administration crackdown.
Perry posted on Instagram on Monday asking followers to write to their U.S. senators and urge them to oppose funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the agency that operates under the Department of Homeland Security.
The deaths this month of Renee Good, a mother of three, and intensive care nurse Alex Pretti have prompted sustained demonstrations and protests against the increased deployment of federal agents to Minnesota.
Pedro Pascal posted drawings of Good and Pretti on Instagram with the caption: "Pretti Good reason for a national strike."
Pop star Billie Eilish — in a separate Instagram post — called Pretti "a real American hero" and challenged other public figures to speak up: "hey my fellow celebrities u gonna speak up? or"
The National Basketball Players Association said players "can no longer remain silent," urging solidarity with Minnesotans who are protesting to demand justice.
Officials in the Trump administration have characterized the recent killings as acts of self‑defense by officers, but video from the scenes has raised questions about that account and helped fuel public outrage.
These public appeals come as lawmakers confront decisions over federal immigration enforcement funding and as celebrity activism adds pressure to an already charged political debate. U.S. celebrities have a track record of taking public positions on social and political issues, from the protests after George Floyd's killing to responses to international conflicts.
(Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington; Editing by Edmund Klamann)
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