Gigi Perez uses Coachella stage to slam ICE and call for 'free Palestine'

INDIO, CALIFORNIA: Gigi Perez used her Coachella set on Sunday, April 12, to deliver a powerful political message. She spoke in support of a free Palestine and called for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to be removed.

Known for her expressive songwriting and for reflecting real-world issues through her music, she brought activism onto the stage. Her performance added to the growing wave of artists using major festivals to voice social and political concerns.

It is not the first time that artists have spoken out against ICE. In the past, several performers have also raised their voices against the Trump administration and ICE policies.

Gigi Perez calls out government's actions during Coachella set

In a video shared on Reddit and X (formerly Twitter), Perez is seen singing on an open stage, holding her guitar and looking at the energetic crowd.

During the performance, she said, "And with this privilege it's on my heart today that we cannot turn away from the atrocities that our government is committing in our country's name every single day of the week." Perez did not stop and continued speaking, raising her voice as she looked at the crowd gathered near the Outdoor Theatre. 

"We need a free Palestine, and we need ICE out of the United States... out of our country. I love you guys," she said, before asking, "Will you sing this one more time?" and continued singing her track.

Growing criticism of ICE from music industry 

Artists have been speaking out against ICE at concerts, award shows, and on social media owing to concerns about immigration raids, family separations, and detention practices.

Many performers say these actions affect immigrant communities and raise human rights concerns. As a result, some artists are using public appearances to show support for immigrants and express opposition to ICE.

At the 2026. Grammys, artists like Kehlani, Billie Eilish, and Bad Bunny used the red carpet and stage to speak out on immigration issues.

Kehlani said she wanted to express strong anger toward ICE at the red carpet but felt it needed more restraint. She added, "I think they needed some couth on the carpet or something. I'm a little couthless, ruthless. I think everybody-we’re too powerful of a group to all be in a room at the same time and not make some kind of statement in our country, so it’s brainless to me."

Billie and her brother Finneas wore "ICE Out" pins during their red carpet appearance. Later, while accepting Song of the Year for 'Wildflower', Billie spoke about human dignity and rejected the idea of people being labeled illegal.

Bad Bunny, who won Best Música Urbana Album for 'Debí Tirar Más Fotos', also addressed immigration in his speech. He said, "Before I say thanks to God, I'm going to say 'ICE out.' We're not savage. We're not animals. We're not aliens. We are humans, and we are Americans."