“I want to take a second to talk about something that’s extremely important to me.””My heart is aching thinking about the people, the children, the families, all over America, who are being mercilessly targeted by ICE.”
That’s Lady Gaga, stopping her concert in Tokyo on Wednesday to deliver an emotional condemnation of the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown—just days before she returns to the United States for the American leg of her “Mayhem Ball” world tour.
THE DETAILS: Gaga sat at a piano mid-show and told the crowd she wanted “to talk about something that’s extremely important to me, something important to people all over the world and especially in America right now,” according to HuffPost.
“I’m thinking about all of their pain and how their lives are being destroyed right in front of us,” she said. “I’m also thinking about Minnesota and everyone back at home who is living in so much fear, and searching for answers on what we all should do.”
Lady Gaga condemns ICE in heartfelt speech at the MAYHEM Ball in Tokyo tonight:
— Gaga Daily (@gagadaily) January 29, 2026
"I want to take a second to talk about something that’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… pic.twitter.com/UmfXmZIKPy
The pop star—who has criticized Trump in the past—didn’t mince words about the human cost of the administration’s policies.
“When entire communities lose their sense of safety and belonging, it breaks something in all of us,” she said.
WHY IT MATTERS: Gaga’s speech comes amid escalating ICE operations that have terrorized immigrant communities across the country, including raids that have resulted in deaths and the separation of families. Her reference to Minnesota points to the ongoing federal crackdown there, which has sparked massive protests and national outrage.
“We need to get back to a place of safety and peace and accountability,” Gaga told fans. “Good people shouldn’t have to fight so hard and risk their lives for well-being and respect.”
Then came the direct appeal to those in power: “I hope our leaders are listening. I hope you’re listening to us ask you to change your course of action swiftly and have mercy on everyone in our country.”
BOTTOM LINE: As celebrities increasingly speak out against the administration’s immigration policies, Gaga’s decision to pause a concert halfway around the world to condemn what’s happening back home underscores just how much Trump’s crackdown has become an international story—and how many Americans are dreading what awaits them when they return.