Kehlani Slams ICE in Unfiltered Interview: “They’re Kidnapping People From Everyday Life”
Written by b87fm on 11/21/2025
Kehlani is once again using their voice to push back against what they describe as escalating human-rights abuses—this time calling out ICE for what they bluntly labeled the “kidnapping” of immigrants across the United States. During a candid conversation on Los Angeles’ Big Boy’s Neighborhood, the singer didn’t flinch when confronting the agency’s tactics and the climate surrounding immigration enforcement.
“They’re kidnapping [people] out of schools, and jobs, and homes, and churches,” Kehlani said, painting a stark picture of how routine parts of daily life have become hotspots for immigration raids.
Big Boy echoed those concerns, pointing out that even individuals trying to comply with the system are getting swept up.
“They’re kidnapping you now from going to do the right thing for your paperwork,” he said. Kehlani agreed without hesitation, adding, “ICE is kidnapping American citizens as well, it’s insane. Checking for Spanish-adjacent last names.”
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The remarks land in a year where Kehlani has refused to shy away from political truths—no matter the cost. In 2024, they faced canceled shows, industry distancing, and collaborators backing out after they publicly supported Palestine. On X, Kehlani described the isolation that followed:
“Because of my political stance, I couldn’t get any features… Every single person was like, ‘Yeah,’ and then they just ghosted me.”
Yet the pushback hasn’t slowed them down. In fact, Kehlani is experiencing one of the most successful streaks of their career. Their single “Folded” became the first top-10 hit of their catalog and earned two Grammy nominations. They also assembled an all-star roster for the Homage Pack—with Toni Braxton, Brandy, JoJo, Mario, Ne-Yo, and Tank all joining the remix series.
This year alone, Kehlani has locked in collaborations with some of the industry’s biggest names, including Cardi B and Leon Thomas.
Unfiltered, unbothered, and unafraid, Kehlani is proving that speaking out doesn’t have to slow a career—it can define it.
