Key Takeaways:

• Kehlani criticized ICE for “kidnapping” individuals from faculties, jobs, and church buildings throughout a latest interview.
• They claimed ICE brokers have been focusing on individuals based mostly on “Spanish-adjacent” final names.
• The artist beforehand mentioned how their activism has affected trade relationships and album collaborations.

Kehlani could also be in the midst of rolling out their forthcoming album, however they’re nonetheless carving out time to talk on pressing issues. On Thursday (Nov. 20), the “Folded” singer joined “Big Boy’s Neighborhood,” the place they mentioned the present local weather within the U.S. relating to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids happening throughout the nation.

“They’re kidnapping [people] out of schools, and jobs, and homes, and churches,” Kehlani stated. Big Boy added, “They’re kidnapping you now from going to do the right thing for your paperwork.” The Oakland native additionally famous that ICE brokers have reportedly been “kidnapping American citizens as well.”

According to NPR, 2025 is shaping as much as be one of many deadliest years for individuals in ICE custody, with no less than 20 deaths recorded thus far. The outlet additional highlighted that over “60,000 people” have been positioned in immigration detention this yr alone.

As Kehlani advised Big Boy, “It’s insane.” They later claimed ICE brokers have been reportedly “checking for Spanish-adjacent last names” as properly. Watch the complete clip beneath.

Anyone who’s adopted Kehlani over the previous few years is aware of they’re not afraid to talk up on points that matter, even when it prices them alternatives and model partnerships. In 2024, the “Nights Like This” artist shared that a number of collaborators they hoped to incorporate on CRASH ended up “ghosting” them due to their assist for Palestine.

“Because of my political stance, I couldn’t get any features, but I guess I’ll save that for an interview ‘cause everybody fronted on me,” they defined. “Every single person was like, ‘Yeah,’ and then they just ghosted me.”

On a lighter observe, Kehlani’s subsequent album is ready to reach within the spring. So far, the confirmed singles are “Folded,” their first Top 10 entry on the Billboard Hot 100, and “Out The Window.” Usher can also be slated to appear on the project.