‘United We Rise’: Bad Bunny, Shakira & More Latin Artists Take a Stand Against Trump’s Immigration Crackdowns (Updating)

The L.A. raids coupled by the Trump administration’s immigration policies have sent shockwaves through the Latin music world and beyond, bringing cultural and political tensions to the forefront.

Over the weekend, more than five million people took to the streets across the U.S. as part of the massive “No Kings” rallies. The demonstrations come amidst abrupt visa issues disrupting major touring schedules for Mexican stars like Julión Álvarez and Grupo Firme, and Donald Trump’s deployment of 2,000 California National Guard troops to quell protests. The stakes have never been higher.

Latin artists — many of whom are immigrants or come from immigrant families — are using their platforms to speak out against these injustices and stand in solidarity with affected communities.

In the face of increased ICE raids, revoked visas, and inflammatory rhetoric, stars like Ivan Cornejo, Fuerza Regida, Chiquis and more are delivering hope and empowerment. “The people being attacked today are not ‘illegal aliens’, they are human beings with RIGHTS,” wrote Becky G on Instagram. “We must understand that an attack on them is an attack on OUR DEMOCRACY and an attack on what this country was made to stand for.”


“It no longer feels like the country of hope they told us so much about,” added DannyLux. 

Their activism doesn’t stop at words. Many have donated to community organizations and shared resources, such as Cornejo and Cuco with CHIRLA.org (Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights); and Peso Pluma and his manager George Prajin’s labels Double P Records and Prajin Parlay, who shared links to immigrant rights organizations: ilrc.org (Immigrant Legal Recourse Center), Nilc.org (National Immigration Law Center), UnitedWeDream.org and more.

“The peaceful and non violent fight for justice, dignity, and humanity for our immigrant community is one we are proud to be part of,” the two aforementioned labels wrote.

Underground punk scenes like L.A.’s DIY Hardcore movement have even raised $10K for the city’s undocumented families affected by ICE. “We’re in crisis mode,” Victor Campos, the Director of Mosh for Youth, told L.A. Taco. “Immigrants build our communities, and they thrive with immigrants. If we look at who’s being taken by the raids, it’s hard-working Latinos. They’re going to Home Depots, to swap meets, to places of business, and taking our people away. Families are left broken and shattered by these raids, so it’s our responsibility as individuals with platforms to do something about it.”

The growing wave of Latin artists using their platforms to push back against Trump’s immigration policies also includes Maná, Don Omar, Pepe Aguilar. Check out how they’re speaking out with messages of resilience to inspire action. (In alphabetical order.)