Ice-T Speaks to Lyric Change Against ICE as He Believes America Is Headed Toward a 'Really Ugly Terrain'
By Fiyin Olowokandi on January 29, 2026 at 10:30 AM EST
Ice-T is getting honest about why he changed the lyrics of his popular song to protest the recent ICE movements.
The rapper expressed concerns for the state of the nation, particularly the nationwide protests, which sparked up in the wake of Alex Pretti’s death at the hands of ICE agents.
In addition to Ice-T, several other A-listers have publicly spoken out against the actions of federal agents amid the crackdown on immigration, including Martha Stewart, Katy Perry, and Bruce Springsteen.
Ice-T’s Lyric Switchup Was Unplanned
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During the “Warped Tour” in LA back in July, Ice-T delivered a powerful rendition of his hit 1992 song, “Cop Killer.”
This time, he switched up the lyrics and sang “ICE Killer,” which was a reflection of the heightened tension that had begun to surround the nation.
During a recent appearance on “The Breakfast Club,” Ice-T revealed that he didn’t plan to change the lyrics of the song. However, when he got on stage, it seemed appropriate.
“When I was there, ICE was active out there. So it's like I'm in the midst of ICE raids and stuff like that, and I'm in front of an L.A. audience, and it just came out. I didn't know I was gonna do it,” he said.
“My brain just said, 'Do ICE Killer,' and it went over,” he added, making it clear that it was just his way of “protesting.”
Ice-T further aired his opinions on the protests that sparked nationwide as a result of Alex Pretti and Renee Good’s deaths, noting that it signified a dangerous path ahead for the country.
“I think we're headed to some really ugly terrain. And Black people really ain't got nothing to do with it. It’s bad. I think the moment somebody shoots an ICE agent, it's gonna get bad,” the rapper stated.
He further made it clear that while he feels the need to speak out, he expects other artists to speak out only if they feel passionate about the issue and not just for publicity.
Bruce Springsteen ‘Dedicated’ A Song To The People Of Minneapolis
Just as Ice-T used his music as a platform for protest, Bruce Springsteen similarly did the same just days after Pretti was shot dead by ICE agents in Minneapolis.
The 76-year-old rock legend wrote a track titled “Streets of Minneapolis,” an echo of his hit 1994 song “Streets of Philadelphia.”
According to The Blast, Springsteen took to social media to share a heartwarming message that read, “It’s dedicated to the people of Minneapolis, our innocent immigrant neighbors, and in memory of Alex Pretti and Renee Good. Stay free, Bruce Springsteen.”
In the song, the legendary artist slammed “Trump’s federal thugs” for claiming “self-defense” when they took Pretti’s life.
Katy Perry Called For Action Against ICE
Katy Perry also joined Springsteen and Ice-T to lend her voice to the fight. Although she didn’t release politically charged music, she took to social media, urging her fans to take action against ICE.
She noted that if fans bombarded their senators with calls asking them to vote against the upcoming Homeland Security Appropriations bill, it would make a difference.
“We have until Friday, January 30, to block $10 billion (on top of the $75B that's already been funded) from going through to ICE," she wrote, per The Blast.
She further urged her audience to turn their “anger into ACTION” instead of staying quiet.
Olivia Rodrigo Slammed ICE’s Actions, Tagging Them ‘Unconscionable’
Just like Perry turned to social media to protest, Olivia Rodrigo also did the same on her Instagram Stories.
According to The Blast, the singer released a statement that read, “ICE's actions are unconscionable, but we are not powerless. Our actions matter. I stand with Minnesota.”
She also shared a post by Ben Sheehan, a political commentator, further urging her followers to take a stance against the opposition.
Martha Stewart Is ‘Disheartened’ By The State Of The Country
One of the most recent personalities to join the line of A-listers speaking up against ICE is Martha Stewart.
A few days ago, the TV personality revealed that her 14-year-old granddaughter had sent her a message, nudging her to speak up.
Stewart responded by sharing an excerpt of the message on Instagram and airing her concern over the killings, per The Blast.
She acknowledged that she was “disheartened and sad” over the government’s attempt to silence the protests and called for things to change “quickly and peacefully.”
