Pop star Lady Gaga used her Tokyo concert platform to criticize U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations, referencing a recent shooting incident in Minneapolis involving ICE agents and a healthcare worker.
Concert Speech Targets Immigration Enforcement
During her Mayhem Ball tour performance at Tokyo Dome on January 29, Gaga paused the show to address what she called the targeting of American families by ICE. The singer specifically mentioned the shooting of ICU nurse Alex Pretti by ICE agents in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She told the audience her heart was aching for people across America who she claimed were being mercilessly targeted by the federal immigration enforcement agency.
Lady Gaga used a concert in Tokyo to rant about ICE. Nothing says informed American policy debate like lecturing U.S. law enforcement from another country between costume changes. Just sing your songs lady, no one asked for your political advice. pic.twitter.com/w6UaVRLwLb
— Chad Prather (@WatchChad) January 29, 2026
The artist dedicated her song “Come to Mama” from her 2016 album “Joanne” to those she described as suffering and feeling helpless. She called for leaders to change their course of action and show mercy. Gaga expressed hope that government officials were listening to requests for policy changes regarding immigration enforcement activities.
Celebrity Criticism of Federal Agencies
Gaga joins other entertainment industry figures who have recently spoken against ICE operations. Actors Mark Ruffalo and Olivia Wilde, along with comedian Wanda Sykes, have made similar statements at recent award shows, including the Golden Globes and events at the Sundance Film Festival. The coordinated criticism represents a broader entertainment industry response to current immigration enforcement policies.
Oh, look! Lady Gaga is in Tokyo, Japan, a country with some of the harshest migration laws on Planet Earth crying about ICE in America! 😂
Is there anything dumber than liberal musicians in America? pic.twitter.com/OK1QJfcmFD
— Vince Langman (@LangmanVince) January 29, 2026
What This Means
The incident highlights the ongoing tension between federal immigration enforcement and celebrity activism. Gaga is scheduled to perform in St. Paul, Minnesota, in April, near where the referenced shooting occurred. Her comments from an international stage demonstrate how domestic policy debates are being amplified through global entertainment platforms. The singer has previously used her concerts to advocate for various political causes throughout her career.