Cardi B says “we’re gonna jump” if ICE targets her fans during concert
Cardi B is once again making headlines, this time for fiery comments about federal immigration enforcement and the safety of her fans.
In a fan-recorded video circulating on social media, the Grammy-winning rapper appeared to suggest she would physically defend her audience if Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers showed up at one of her shows.
“If ICE come in here, we’re gonna jump they a**es… They ain’t taking my fans,” she said shortly before performing her hit track “I Like It.”
The remarks, widely shared online and reported by outlets such as Billboard, have sparked debate on social media. While ICE does not have a policy of conducting raids inside concerts, the broader climate surrounding immigration enforcement has fueled anxiety in some communities, particularly at large public gatherings.
Cardi B has not issued a formal clarification of her comments, but the video reflects growing frustration among some artists over immigration crackdowns. For many performers with diverse fan bases, concerns about enforcement actions near venues have become part of tour planning discussions.
She is not alone in voicing unease.
Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny has also publicly addressed fears about potential immigration enforcement near concert venues. In a recent interview with i-D magazine, he explained why he chose not to schedule certain U.S. tour stops.
“People from the U.S. could come here to see the show. Latinos and Puerto Ricans of the United States could also travel here, or to any part of the world,” he said. “But there was the issue that ICE could be outside my concert venue. And it’s something that we were talking about and very concerned about.”
Bad Bunny has previously criticized immigration raids in Puerto Rico, saying authorities should not be targeting people who are simply working. His comments echo broader concerns in Latino communities about aggressive enforcement tactics and their ripple effects on families.
Federal immigration enforcement remains a politically charged issue. ICE operations typically focus on targeted arrests rather than sweeping public venue raids. However, the perception of increased enforcement activity has led some artists and organizers to reassess event security and messaging.
For Cardi B, whose fan base includes large numbers of Latino and immigrant supporters, the message appeared personal. The Bronx-born rapper has frequently spoken about her own background and the experiences of immigrant families. Her latest remarks, though blunt, reflect an emotional stance rather than a detailed policy critique.
Critics argue that rhetoric suggesting violence against federal agents crosses a line and risks escalating tensions. Supporters counter that artists are expressing solidarity with fans who feel vulnerable.
The controversy highlights the complicated intersection of politics, entertainment, and public safety. Concerts are meant to be spaces of celebration and community. For some performers, the idea that fans might feel unsafe attending shows due to immigration concerns is troubling enough to warrant public statements.
Whether Cardi B’s comments were hyperbole or a serious warning, they have reignited conversation about how federal policies ripple beyond Washington and into cultural spaces.
As immigration debates continue nationwide, artists like Cardi B and Bad Bunny are making it clear that the issue does not stop at the border or the ballot box. For them, it reaches all the way to the stage.