Olivia Rodrigo stands for freedom of speech in new statement on “awful” LA deportation crisis

Posted On June 16, 2025June 16, 2025

Pop punk superstar Olivia Rodrigo has released a statement online in reaction to the deportation crisis in Los Angeles.

Recently, ICE’s raids of several workplaces in LA over alleged immigration violations have sparked outrage across America. In response, President Donald Trump authorised the deployment of the National Guard, allowing them to carry out anti-protest operations over the ensuing 60 days.

On June 14th, Rodrigo spoke out about this move from the right-wing American president. On her Instagram story, the ‘Drivers License’ singer wrote, “I’ve lived in LA my whole life, and I’m deeply upset about these violent deportations of my neighbours under the current administration.”

The post continued: “LA simply wouldn’t exist without immigrants. Treating hardworking community members with such little respect, empathy, and due process is awful. I stand with the beautiful, diverse community of Los Angeles and with immigrants all across America. I stand for our right to freedom of speech and freedom to protest.”

She later revealed that she attended the ‘No Kings’ protest, where disgruntled Americans marched to show their resistance to Trump’s administration. The title gestures towards the fact that America is not a monarchy, and Trump is not a king. He is not entitled to the power he has been exercising.

Other attendees of the ‘No Kings’ protest included Avengers actor Mark Ruffalo, Grey’s Anatomy actor Ellen Pompeo, and The Bear actor Ayo Edebiri. Speaking at the protest, Ruffalo stated that Trump has “made himself a king and a dictator, and we don’t see an opposition that’s powerful enough to stand up against the trampling of our rights, and trampling the Constitution that’s happening every single day with executive orders”.

Fellow musician Finneas also attended a “peaceful” anti-ICE protest in LA, and reported that he was tear-gassed at the event. “Fuck ICE”, he wrote in reaction online. “If you are into this fascist shit you are small and weak and will lose”.

Olivia Rodrigo recently headlined the Governors’ Ball on 7th June, and surprised the crowd by bringing out David Byrne for a rendition of Talking Heads’ ‘Burning Down the House’.

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