Zara Larsson Critiques ICE: A Stand for Immigrants and Justice

Swedish pop star Zara Larsson recently voiced her strong opposition to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), attributing her partner’s long-standing ban from the United States to the agency’s actions.

Larsson’s Viral Criticism of ICE

In a series of impactful Instagram stories, Larsson criticized ICE amidst rising scrutiny of the agency following a tragic shooting incident involving a federal agent in Minneapolis. The posts quickly gained traction and went viral.

A Personal Connection to Immigration Issues

In her posts, Larsson expressed her love for various marginalized communities and critiqued the harshness of ICE policies. “I love immigrants, I love criminals, I love trans people… I f***ing hate ICE,” she declared. This bold statement stems from her personal experiences with U.S. immigration rules that have affected her partner’s ability to visit her.

The Impact on Her Relationship

Zara Larsson revealed that her long-time partner, Swedish dancer Lamin Holmén, has been prohibited from entering the U.S. for over six years due to a previous criminal record related to marijuana. She emphasized, “The reason my sweet, smart, generous man can’t come to the U.S. – AT ALL – is because he has a criminal record. Guess for what? WEED!”

The Double Standards of the Criminal Justice System

Despite confirming that Holmén’s criminal record has officially cleared, Larsson highlighted the unfairness of U.S. laws that continue to impact non-violent offenders. She pointed out that these laws disproportionately target marginalized groups, stating, “It ends up being black and brown people who are arrested most often.”

Comparing ICE to Criminals

Larsson’s frustration escalated as she compared ICE agents to criminals, stating her preference for a different kind of company. “I’d rather have someone smoking crack on my couch than a f**king ICE agent,” she said. Her comments were made in the wake of the tragic death of Renee Nicole Good, a poet shot by a federal agent during an immigration enforcement operation.

Solidarity from Fellow Artists

Zara Larsson’s powerful remarks have resonated with many, garnering support from fellow musicians and actors such as Duran Duran, Billie Eilish, and Neil Young, who have also condemned ICE’s violent actions and policies.

In conclusion, Larsson’s activism underscores the ongoing issues surrounding immigration and the U.S. criminal justice system, bringing a personal perspective to a national conversation.