Lorde donates all merchandise proceeds from Minneapolis to immigrant organizations. After deadly ICE operations, she sends a signal of solidarity.
Lorde supports immigrants in Minnesota with a donation of $204,000. The New Zealand singer donated all proceeds from merchandise sales from her shows in Minneapolis. The money goes to organizations that help people without secure residence status.
She shared a picture of her hand with the words “ICE Out” written on it on Instagram. She wrote, “I’m donating all of our Minneapolis merch proceeds ($204,000) to the Minnesota Immigration Rights Action Committee and the Immigrant Defense Network.”
In doing so, it combines financial help with a clear message against the operations of the US immigration authorities ICE. The supported organizations provide legal assistance, coordinate resources for affected families and mobilize communities.
Deadly ICE operations cause outrage
The donation comes at a time when Minneapolis is at the center of national debate. In recent weeks, ICE operations there have led to nationwide protests. Two unarmed civilians died as a result of shots fired by ICE agents: Renée Good and Alex Pretti. These events intensified public debate and increased calls for accountability.
With the donation of over $200,000, Lorde is sending a clear signal: Solidarity must translate into concrete support for people affected by the authority’s measures.
Repeated political engagement
This is not the first time Lorde has spoken out politically. In October 2025, at a concert in New York, she loudly shouted “Free fucking Palestine” in the middle of her show. The stage lit up in the colors of the Palestinian flag.
Shortly thereafter, she removed her music from the library of Apple Music and Spotify in Israel. This happened as part of the “No Music for Genocide” boycott. This is an initiative by musicians who are withdrawing their works from streaming services in Israel. They are protesting against the actions in the Gaza war.
Broad movement in the music scene
Other musicians also use their reach to make political statements. At the Grammy Awards, Justin Bieber, Billie Eilish and Kehlani wore “ICE Out” pins. In addition, several winners used their acceptance speeches to criticize the violent practices of the immigration authorities. After Renee Good was killed, a number of actresses wore pins at the Golden Globes that read “Be Good.”
