Kehlani Criticizes ICE For Detaining Individuals At Schools And Workplaces, Calling It “Insane”

Kehlani is currently promoting their upcoming album while also addressing important issues. On Thursday (Nov. 20), the artist participated in an interview with “Big Boy’s Neighborhood,” discussing the situation in the U.S. related to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids occurring nationwide.

“They’re taking people from schools, jobs, homes, and churches,” Kehlani stated. Big Boy remarked, “They’re taking you now for just trying to do the right thing for your paperwork.” The singer from Oakland also pointed out that ICE agents have allegedly been taking American citizens as well.

According to NPR, the year 2025 is projected to be one of the deadliest for individuals in ICE custody, with at least 20 deaths reported so far. The report further mentioned that over “60,000 people” have entered immigration detention this year alone.

Kehlani expressed to Big Boy, “It’s insane.” They later indicated that ICE agents were allegedly “checking for Spanish-adjacent last names.”

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Those familiar with Kehlani understand that they are willing to speak out on significant issues, even at the cost of potential opportunities and brand partnerships. In 2024, the artist mentioned that several collaborators they wished to feature on their album CRASH ultimately “ghosted” them due to their support for Palestine.

“Because of my political stance, I couldn’t get any features, but I guess I’ll save that for an interview ‘cause everybody fronted on me,” they noted. “Every single person was like, ‘Yeah,’ and then they just ghosted me.”

On a different note, Kehlani’s next album is expected to be released in the spring, with confirmed singles including “Folded,” which marks their first Top 10 entry on the Billboard Hot 100, and “Out The Window.” Usher is also set to feature on the project.