Olivia Rodrigo Condemns DHS for Using Her Music in ICE Video Without Permission
Singer-songwriter Olivia Rodrigo publicly criticized the U.S. Department of Homeland Security after her song “all-american bitch” appeared in an official video promoting new ICE “self-deportation” policies.
The video, released through a DHS Inspector General channel, featured footage of ICE agents conducting detentions while Rodrigo’s music played in the background.
According to Rodrigo, the use of her song was unauthorized. She labeled the video “racist, hateful propaganda” and expressed strong disapproval of her work being associated with government messaging she does not support. Shortly after her comment circulated online, the agency removed the track from the post.
However, Rodrigo’s comment was reportedly hidden from public view before the audio was taken down, prompting backlash among fans and activists.
The Department of Homeland Security responded by stating that the video was intended to highlight the work and “service” of ICE agents, not to promote political messaging. Despite this clarification, the situation has reignited a wider debate about government entities using artists’ creative work to shape narratives around controversial policies.
This incident underscores ongoing conversations about consent in music licensing, public image control, and the cultural implications of aligning art with political agendas. Rodrigo’s response reflects a broader push from artists to assert ownership over how their work is represented in public discourse.
