Lorde Pledges $204,000 to Minneapolis Immigrant Advocacy Groups Following Local Unrest
Global pop sensation Lorde is standing in solidarity with Minneapolis, a city that recently served as a stop on her Ultrasound World Tour. In response to the political and humanitarian crisis currently unfolding in the region, the New Zealand singer-songwriter has committed a significant financial contribution to support local immigrant communities.
Taking to her Instagram Story on February 3, Lorde revealed that she is donating the entirety of her merchandise profits from her Minneapolis shows—totaling $204,000—to two pivotal organizations: the Minnesota Immigration Rights Action Committee (MIRAC) and the Immigrant Defense Network. The donation comes roughly three months after her back-to-back performances at the Minneapolis Armory last October.
The “Solar Power” artist underscored her message by sharing a photograph of her hand marked with the phrase “ICE Out,” a direct nod to the growing movement protesting recent enforcement actions in the Twin Cities.
A Community Under Pressure
Minneapolis has recently become a flashpoint for national debate following a series of controversial ICE operations. Public outcry reached a fever pitch in January after the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti during separate encounters with federal agents. While the current administration has maintained that the officers acted in self-defense, witness accounts and video footage have fueled widespread skepticism and civil unrest.
The organizations receiving Lorde’s donation are at the front lines of this crisis:
- MIRAC: A grassroots collective that mobilizes protests and provides essential resources for families impacted by raids and deportations.
- Immigrant Defense Network: A coalition of over 90 legal, labor, and faith-based groups focused on protecting the constitutional rights of immigrants through legal referrals and community education.
Celebrity Solidarity and the Ultrasound Tour
Lorde’s philanthropic gesture aligns her with a growing number of high-profile figures speaking out against the situation in Minnesota. During the 2026 Grammy Awards, stars such as Billie Eilish, Kehlani, and Justin Bieber were seen wearing “ICE Out” buttons. Other artists, including Lizzo and Tom Morello, have also hosted events and shared resources to bolster local resistance efforts.
The Ultrasound World Tour was launched in late 2025 to support Lorde’s latest critically acclaimed album, Virgin, which debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200. After completing her North American and European legs in December, she is scheduled to bring the tour to Australia and New Zealand later this month.
