The Department of Homeland Security criticized Zach Bryan, a prominent figure in the country music scene, for a song he previewed on Instagram that condemns U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
In response to Bryan’s unreleased track, which includes lyrics like “I heard the cops came, cocky motherf–kers ain’t they? / And ICE is gonna come bust down your door,” the DHS shared footage of ICE arrests set to Bryan’s song “Revival,” with the caption “we’re having an All Night Revival.”
Bryan later addressed the controversy on Instagram, explaining that the song, written three months ago, was not intended to be divisive and carries a centrist message that resonates with both sides of the political spectrum.
The song highlights societal discord in America, with lyrics such as “The middle fingers rising and it won’t stop showing / Got some bad news / The fading of the red white and blue.” However, amidst debates on immigration policies and political activism, Bryan’s song became a focal point for politically charged art discussions.
The DHS has faced criticism for its heightened enforcement actions and social media tactics, including pairing ICE arrest footage with popular culture references. This incident is not the first time the agency has been embroiled in controversies with celebrities over their political stances.
In a push for increased deportations, the Trump administration has faced backlash for its aggressive ICE raids, which have resulted in a significant increase in arrests compared to previous years. Additionally, the DHS’s use of social media to showcase enforcement actions has sparked debates over the agency’s approach to immigration policies.
One notable incident involved comedian Theo Von, who objected to his content being used in a deportation video and called for its removal. The DHS has also faced copyright issues, such as unauthorized use of the Pokemon theme song in a border patrol video, leading to a statement from The Pokemon Company International denouncing the misuse of their intellectual property.