Singer-songwriter Finneas claims he was tear-gassed at ICE protests in Los Angeles
Singer-songwriter Finneas has claimed he was hit with tear gas at a “peaceful protest” over the weekend against the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Los Angeles after President Donald Trump deployed the National Guard.
The singer, notable for his collaborations with his sister Billie Eilish, shared the news on his Instagram, writing “Fuck ICE” and explaining that he was “tear gassed almost immediately as the very peaceful protest downtown- they’re inciting this.”
He also shared posts by others experiencing or discussing the same issue, including one by comedian Tim Heidecker saying, “Fuck all of you weekend G.I. Joe losers. If you are into this fascist shit you are small and weak and will lose.”
He also re-posted a message about standing against ICE, including those who are part of the National Guard and Active Duty military. “There is support, you don’t have to go through with it,” reads one post. “ICE is really willing to gas the whole city to abduct people from the parking lot of home depot,” reads another.
Protests began on Friday after ICE began raids across Los Angeles. These turned more violent over the weekend, with some setting fire to vehicles and other items, and other reports of looting. The President’s deployment of the National Guard has been condemned by many, including California’s governor, Gavin Newsom.
ICE reportedly arrested 44 unauthorised immigrants on Friday in a single operation at a job site, per BBC. A further 66 were also taken during the same day. This also comes amid Trump’s recent feud with longtime acquaintance Elon Musk, starting when Musk voiced his frustrations with the President’s latest tax bill.
The pair entered a vicious back-and-forth on social media, with Musk claiming that Trump “would have lost the election” without his involvement and that he was showing “such ingratitude”. In response, Trump called Musk “CRAZY” and removed the electric vehicle mandate.
After the public row, Jack White shared an image on social media of the two alongside Kanye West, saying, “3 fucking nazi clowns collapsing under the weight of their own unchecked egos. More popcorn gruppenfuehrer! L to R: Joseph Noballs, Yedolf Hitler, and Herman Boring. Is America “Great” yet boys?”
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