The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has publicly pushed back against Billie Eilish after the singer reshared a series of Instagram Story posts condemning Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the wake of a deadly shooting in Minneapolis earlier this week. The backlash comes after Billie Eilish shared social media posts criticizing the Minneapolis shooting, the Department of Homeland Security accused her of spreading ‘garbage rhetoric’ about ICE.
In a statement provided late Friday night to Billboard, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin argued that the artist was reacting without seeing recently released video footage of the incident. According to McLaughlin, the video supports the agency’s position that the woman who was killed posed a threat to officers on the scene.
“Clearly, Billie Eilish has not seen the newly released footage,” McLaughlin said, claiming the individual involved was obstructing law enforcement and used her vehicle in a way that endangered federal agents.
The department also circulated a body-camera-style video of the Jan. 7 shooting on X, reportedly filmed from the perspective of the officer who fired the fatal shot. McLaughlin said the officer feared for his life and those of his colleagues, insisting that his actions amounted to self-defense. She added that the public should review the footage and draw their own conclusions.
DHS leadership, along with Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, have echoed that stance. Officials maintain that the officer shot 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good during an ICE operation after she allegedly tried to drive away and “run over” an agent. Good was killed inside her vehicle during the encounter in Minnesota.
McLaughlin went on to defend ICE’s enforcement policies, referencing an internal DHS review that examined what the agency describes as a surge in assaults on immigration officers. She rejected accusations that ICE separates families, saying parents are given options regarding their children’s care during deportation proceedings.
“It’s garbage rhetoric from the likes of Billie Eilish,” McLaughlin said, arguing that such statements contribute to rising threats against officers, including a sharp increase in alleged vehicle attacks.
Eilish herself has not issued a personal statement about the shooting. However, she did amplify posts from other creators, including one that labeled ICE a “federally funded and supported terrorist group” and accused the agency of harming families and killing innocent people. Other reshared posts called for ICE to be abolished and urged the public to pressure lawmakers to arrest and charge the officer involved.
Public outrage has not been limited to the music world. Footage of Good’s death has sparked protests and renewed anger over ICE operations nationwide. In Minneapolis, residents have gathered to mourn and demand the agency leave their city. Mayor Jacob Frey openly condemned the incident during a press conference, accusing federal agents of abusing their authority.
Even Trump appeared conflicted when asked about the video during an Oval Office meeting, reportedly calling the footage “horrible to watch” after seeing it played for reporters.
As the debate intensifies, the clash between celebrity activism and federal law enforcement has once again thrust immigration policy — and its human consequences — into the national spotlight.