Fact Check: Did Morgan Wallen donate half a million dollars to ICE?
WASHINGTON, DC: Amid the protests against the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration crackdown, a claim has been circulating on social media that pop singer Morgan Wallen donated $500000 to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The claim has sparked speculations with many questioning its authenticity. Let us fact-check it.
Claim: Morgan Wallen donated to ICE
According to the post circulating on social media, reigning Billboard Artist of the Year and country superstar, Morgan Wallen, has donated a staggering $514,000 to ICE to further support the mass deportation of illegal aliens from the country.
A Facebook post by the account called Rhythm Republic posted the claim stating, “BREAKING: Morgan Wallen has reportedly donated his entire earnings from yesterday’s performance — $514,000 — to ICE."
In a statement that’s lighting up social media, Wallen said, "America needs secure borders. ICE plays a critical role in keeping our communities safe and deserves full support."
"The move is drawing massive attention as a rare and bold stance from a country music superstar on immigration and national security — and it has his fanbase buzzing.”
The post has gained the most traction on Facebook, garnering a staggering 22,300 likes and over 300 shares.
A similar post by an account called Country & Soul’s has an equal amount of engagement, racking up 12,300 likes and 3,200 shares.
Fact Check: No evidence supporting the claim
The claim, however, is false, as three viral Facebook posts making the claim has AI generated images of the singer.
Also, a search on Google does not generate any results from credible news media outlets supporting the claim. A look at the ‘Whiskey Glasses’ singer’s social media handles also does not reveal any such statements made by the singer.
The Facebook pages spreading the claim generally included links to WordPress blogs with news articles supposedly reporting on the ordeal, which are generally spread to earn money from advertising on the affiliated WordPress blogs and from the social media platforms themselves.
Moreover, ICE is a federal law enforcement agency under the Department of Homeland Security, which is funded by tax dollars and does not accept direct monetary donations.
Massive protests against immigration crackdowns
ICE has faced public outrage in recent times over its aggressive use of force during immigration crackdowns, especially after the deaths of Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti, setting off protests and renewed anger in Minneapolis.
Hundreds of protesters gathered in Minneapolis following the shooting, demanding accountability and calling for the withdrawal of federal agents from the city.
Demonstrators cited both the killing and broader concerns over federal enforcement tactics.
