Billie Eilish used the opportunity to collect a prize for environmental justice in Atlanta over the weekend to express her opposition to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency and President Trump’s immigration policies.
The 24-year-old singer accepted the MLK Jr. Beloved Community Environmental Justice Award but felt conflicted about receiving it because progress seems difficult to make.
“To be honest, I really don’t feel deserving,” Eilish said during her acceptance speech. “It’s very strange to be celebrated for working towards environmental justice at a time when it feels less achievable than ever, given the state of our country and the world right now.”
Eilish spoke against the administration for diminishing the fundamental rights.
“We’re seeing our neighbors being kidnapped, peaceful protesters being assaulted and murdered, our civil rights being stripped, resources to fight the climate crisis being cut for fossil fuels and animal agriculture destroying our planet, and people’s access to food and healthcare becoming a privilege for the wealthy instead of a new basic human right for all Americans,” she said.
“It is very clear that protecting our planet is not a priority for this administration. And it’s tough to celebrate that when we no longer feel safe in our own homes or in our streets,” she said.
The “Birds of a Feather” singer said the ceremony, inspired by the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., left her hopeful despite her concerns.
“I am so inspired by all the stories and the other honorees tonight and everyone in this room,” she said. “I’m grateful to everyone and for the huge community of people who are taking action centered on Dr. King’s message.”
She also expressed gratitude to her parents for instilling values in her.
“I just want to thank my mom, both my parents, for raising me the way they did. I wouldn’t be doing any of this without you, Mom,” Eilish said.
Eilish said that using her platform is part of her responsibility.
“I have this platform, and I think it’s my responsibility to use it, so I feel like I’m just doing what anyone in my position should be doing,” she said.
Earlier this month, Eilish took to Instagram Stories with messages labeling ICE a “terrorist group” following a fatal shooting involving Renee Good in a Minneapolis operation. Her statements sparked condemnation from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
DHS Deputy Secretary Tricia McLaughlin challenged the claim, saying that ICE does not actually separate families.
“Parents are asked if they want to be removed from their children, or ICE will place the children with a safe person the parent designates,” McLaughlin said. “This is consistent with past administrations’ immigration enforcement.”
McLaughlin went on to say that “garbage rhetoric from people like Billie Eilish” has led many to attack law enforcement.
