Lady Gagahas been traveling the world on herMayhem Ball tour, but her heart remains in America amid political unrest over Immigration and Customs Enforcement's string of raids.
During a performance at Japan's Tokyo Dome on Thursday, Jan. 29, the Grammy-winning pop icon delivered an emotional speech on the federal agency, which has been assisting the Trump administration in its crackdown on illegal immigration.
"In a couple of days, I'm going to be heading home, and my heart is aching thinking about the people, the children, the families all over America who are being mercilessly targeted by ICE," Gaga, 39, said, according toconcert footageshared byLady Gaga Now, a fan website. "I'm thinking about all of their pain and how their lives are being destroyed right in front of us."
Since returning to office,President Trumpand his administration have embarked on amass deportation campaign, which seeks to remove millions of undocumented immigrants with the help of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Lady Gaga condemned ICE in a speech during her show in Japan: "I wanna take a second to talk about something that it's extremely important to me, something important to people all over the world, and especially in America right now. In a couple of days I'm gonna be heading home…pic.twitter.com/Bv3MVuUQmi
— LⱯDY GⱯGⱯ NOW🪞 (@ladygaganownet)January 29, 2026
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The president's immigration reform operation, which has largely centered on sweeping enforcement raids across major U.S. cities, has drawn intense public scrutiny and sparked protests against federal immigration agents.
In Minneapolis, clashes have erupted between federal agents and demonstrators following the shooting deaths of American citizensRenee Nicole GoodandAlex Pretti.
Good, 37, wasfatally shot by an ICE officerduring a Jan. 7 confrontation, while Pretti, also 37, waskilled by a Border Patrol agenton Jan. 24.
"I'm also thinking about Minnesota and everyone back at home who [are] living in so much fear and searching for answers of what we all should do," Gaga continued. "When entire communities lose their sense of safety and belonging, it breaks something in all of us."
USA TODAY has reached out to Lady Gaga's representatives for additional comment.
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On Tuesday,President Trumprevealed during an interview with Fox News that his administration will"deescalate" immigration enforcement operationsin Minnesota after facing backlash over the killing of Pretti.
Additionally, White House Border CzarTom Homansaid on Thursday that there are going to be "massive changes" in Minneapolis, adding there will be "less agents in the streets" as federal authorities gain more access to local jails and target undocumented immigrants with criminal records.
"We need to get back to a place of safety and peace and accountability," Gaga concluded. "Good people shouldn't have to fight so hard and risk their lives for well-being and respect. And I hope our leaders are listening. I hope you are listening to us asking you to change the course of action swiftly and have mercy on everyone in our country."
Gaga is set to return to the U.S. this weekend for the2026 Grammy Awards, where she is scheduled to perform at the ceremony. The singer's Mayhem Ball tour will resume in North America on Feb. 14 and 15 with a pair of concerts in Glendale, Arizona.
Contributing: USA TODAY staff
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Lady Gaga criticizes ICE raids in emotional concert speech
