DHS Rebukes Billie Eilish After Singer Labels ICE a ‘Terrorist Group’ Following Minneapolis Shooting
The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a sharp rebuttal to Billie Eilish after the pop icon utilized her massive social media platform to condemn Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Eilish recently shared a series of posts on her Instagram Story characterizing the agency as a “terrorist group” in the wake of a fatal officer-involved shooting in Minneapolis earlier this week.
In a formal statement provided to the press late Friday, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin suggested that Eilish’s criticism was uninformed. “Clearly, Billie Eilish has not reviewed the recently surfaced footage, which validates the DHS’s consistent narrative: this individual was obstructing law enforcement and weaponized her vehicle in a lethal attempt to harm federal agents,” McLaughlin stated.
The controversy stems from the January 7 death of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good, who was fatally shot during an ICE operation. The officer responsible, later identified as Jonathan Ross, reportedly acted in self-defense. McLaughlin pointed to a video shared on X (formerly Twitter) as evidence that Ross feared for his safety and the lives of his colleagues. “The American public can observe the footage firsthand and reach their own conclusions,” she added.
While the DHS, President Donald Trump, and Vice President JD Vance have maintained that the shooting was a necessary act of self-preservation, the footage reveals a complex scene. Good was shot while attempting to drive away from the confrontation. Federal officials, however, contend that her maneuvering constituted an attempt to “run over” the officers on site.
McLaughlin’s defense of the agency extended into a broader critique of anti-ICE sentiment. She referenced a recent internal DHS report claiming an unprecedented surge in violence against immigration officers, including a 1,300% spike in assaults and a 3,200% rise in “vehicle rammings.”
“ICE does not separate families,” McLaughlin insisted, clarifying that parents are given the option to be removed with their children or designate a safe guardian. “This protocol remains consistent with previous administrations. It is the inflammatory rhetoric from figures like Billie Eilish that fuels the dangerous environment our officers face daily.”
While Eilish has not issued a direct personal statement, she amplified several posts from activists. One such post described ICE as a “federally funded terrorist organization” that “terrorizes citizens and murders innocent people” under the current administration. Other shared content called for the immediate abolition of the agency and urged followers to lobby Congress for the arrest and prosecution of Officer Ross.
The nine-time Grammy winner is part of a growing wave of artists, including Olivia Rodrigo and Tyler, the Creator, who have publicly denounced the aggressive immigration raids seen across the country over the past year. The Minneapolis incident has particularly galvanized the local community, leading to widespread protests and mourning.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has also been vocal in his opposition, demanding that federal enforcement agents vacate the city. During a recent press conference, Frey characterized the agent’s actions as a “reckless abuse of power” that resulted in a tragic loss of life.
Even within the Oval Office, the gravity of the footage appeared to resonate. According to reports, President Trump admitted the video was difficult to watch, remarking to reporters, “I think it’s horrible to watch. No, I hate to see it,” despite the official administration stance defending the officer’s conduct.
