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Kali Uchis Wears ‘F—k ICE’ Shirt During Hinterland Festival Headlining Set
Kali Uchis used her headlining set at the Hinterland Music Festival in Iowa to make a pointed political statement against US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, wearing a white corset emblazoned with a sparkling pink "F–k ICE" message. The Colombian-American singer showed off the garment to the crowd on Sunday (2 August), telling fans she hoped they would leave the festival feeling inspired before revealing the slogan to cheers. The moment quickly spread online as photos and clips circulated, and it comes amid continued national debate over the Trump administration's immigration enforcement and deportation policies.
The performance followed her appearance at HARD Summer in Los Angeles earlier the same weekend, and it is far from the first time Uchis has spoken out on the issue. She has repeatedly criticised ICE and immigration raids, including at a Dallas show and during her Camp Flog Gnaw set in 2025, and has shared personal reflections on her father's immigration story from Colombia. When approached for comment, a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson reportedly responded simply, "Who?", while Billboard said it had also sought comment from Uchis's team.
In short
- Kali Uchis wore a "F–k ICE" shirt at Hinterland Festival, Iowa.
- She has long criticised ICE and US immigration policy publicly.
- DHS spokesperson responded to the incident with "Who?"
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Artists have both the right and responsibility to use their platforms to speak on political issues affecting their communities. As a Colombian-American, Uchis's critique of ICE is rooted in genuine lived experience; immigration enforcement is not an abstract policy concern for her. Music has a long tradition of activism and raising public awareness, and ICE has faced substantial criticism from human rights organisations regarding its enforcement practices. Using a high-profile performance to amplify concerns about institutional injustice is legitimate and important political speech.
The case against
Whilst artists possess the right to political expression, using a music festival—where audiences attended primarily for entertainment—to make controversial political statements may be seen as disrespectful to attendees with differing views on immigration policy. The crude language, whilst attention-grabbing, risks undermining the seriousness of the underlying concern rather than advancing genuine dialogue or policy change. There is a meaningful distinction between having something important to say and whether a festival headlining set is the appropriate venue for delivering such a message to a mixed audience.
Explained simply
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, usually known as ICE, is a federal agency that enforces immigration laws, including detaining and deporting people who do not have permission to remain in the country. Its role and the methods used in immigration raids have been subjects of long-running political debate, particularly under President Donald Trump’s administration.
Kali Uchis is a Colombian-American singer who has previously criticised ICE and raids, and has spoken about her father’s immigration story from Colombia. Her comments connect the issue to her family background as well as to wider arguments about how the United States should enforce its immigration laws.
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