Overview
Several U.S. celebrities have publicly urged citizens to reach out to lawmakers and take other forms of action in response to the killings of two U.S. citizens that occurred during the Trump administration’s intensified immigration enforcement in Minnesota.
Calls to contact senators and oppose funding
Singer Katy Perry used her Instagram account on Monday to ask followers to write to their U.S. senators, urging them to vote against funding for the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency - a component of the Department of Homeland Security. The appeal framed opposition to ICE funding as a civic response to recent events in Minnesota.
Deaths spark demonstrations
The deaths this month of Renee Good, a mother of three, and Alex Pretti, an intensive care nurse, have been focal points for protests in Minnesota directed at the surge of federal agents deployed by President Donald Trump’s administration. Those demonstrations have drawn attention from entertainers and athlete organizations alike, amplifying public scrutiny of federal immigration enforcement practices.
Social media reactions from public figures
Actor Pedro Pascal posted drawings of Good and Pretti on Instagram accompanied by the line: "Pretti Good reason for a national strike." Singer Billie Eilish also used Instagram to describe Pretti as "a real American hero" and to challenge other celebrities to speak out with the message: "hey my fellow celebrities u gonna speak up? or".
Organized athlete response
The National Basketball Players Association, the union representing NBA players, released a statement on Sunday asserting that players "can no longer remain silent." It added: "Now more than ever, we must defend the right to freedom of speech and stand in solidarity with the people in Minnesota protesting and risking their lives to demand justice."
Official characterizations and evidence
Officials in the Trump administration described the recent killings as acts of self-defense by officers. The article notes, however, that video evidence from the scenes contradicted that characterization, deepening the dispute over what occurred.
Context on celebrity activism
The article notes that U.S. celebrities have a history of speaking out on political and social matters, citing past public criticism following the killing of George Floyd and reactions to U.S. ally Israel’s assault on Gaza. In the present case, high-profile appeals and organizational statements have joined street demonstrations in calling for accountability.
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