Lizzo Expresses Grief Over Minneapolis ICE Operations and Mourns Loss of Activist Shirley Raines
Lizzo is vocalizing her profound distress regarding the escalating violence tied to recent ICE immigration enforcement in Minnesota—the state where she cultivated her artistry during the early stages of her career.
In a poignant video shared across her social platforms on Wednesday, January 28, the Grammy-winning artist addressed the political upheaval currently gripping Minneapolis. Recognizing the collective feeling of paralysis many experience when witnessing such events online, she offered tangible avenues for her followers to provide support. “I know it can feel helpless watching all of this unfold on our phones,” she noted, “but after consulting with organizers on the ground in Minneapolis, here are a few ways you can make a difference.”
The singer highlighted a GoFundMe campaign established for Jayla Ramirez, whose father was detained by ICE. The family is currently seeking $30,000 to cover bail and legal representation. Additionally, Lizzo threw her support behind local Minneapolis institutions serving as community pillars, including Smitten Kitten—a sex shop turned hub for mutual aid—and Glam Doll Donuts. The latter is situated near the site where ICU nurse Alex Pretti was tragically killed by an ICE agent on January 24.
Lizzo was careful to acknowledge the current economic climate, clarifying that her call to action was directed primarily at those with significant resources. “I am fully aware of the financial recession we are navigating,” she explained. “When I share these videos, I am never asking fans in difficult financial positions to donate. I speak out because I don’t have a direct line to every wealthy influencer or celebrity who has the capacity to help.”
Becoming visibly emotional, she reflected on the historical pattern of systemic issues in the city. “My heart goes out to Minneapolis,” she said through tears. “During the years I lived there—from Philando Castile and Jamar Clark to George Floyd—it feels like this injustice is a recurring cycle. Yet, I have also seen that community rise up every single time. As I find more ways to assist, I will continue to share them.”
The month of January has seen intensified ICE activity in Minneapolis, sparking widespread civil unrest and national scrutiny. Pretti is one of two civilians fatally shot by ICE agents this month; the other, Renee Good, was killed by agent Jonathan Ross on January 7. While the current administration maintains these actions were taken in self-defense, many activists point to eyewitness footage that contradicts the official narrative.
Shortly after her Minneapolis update, Lizzo shared another heartbreaking tribute, this time for Los Angeles activist Shirley Raines. Raines, the founder of the charity Beauty 2 The Streetz, was renowned for her work providing essentials and human dignity to the unhoused population on Skid Row. She passed away at the age of 58.
“I am devastated,” Lizzo shared via her Instagram Stories. She described Raines as an “incredible woman” and a rare friend who supported her during her own public struggles. “When the public was turning its back on me, she never did. She was a constant source of encouragement and love, and she never asked for anything in return. Her work isn’t over. She served the underserved with everything she had.”
