Cardi B’s on-stage ICE comments spark online clash with US authorities

Cardi B has found herself at the centre of a political firestorm after comments she made on stage during the opening night of her Little miss drama tour went viral, prompting a sharp response from US authorities.

The rapper made the remarks during her February 11 concert at Acrisure Arena, briefly pausing the show to criticise Immigration and Customs Enforcement, commonly known as ICE, amid ongoing immigration crackdowns in the United States.

Video clips circulating on social media show Cardi telling the crowd that she would not allow immigration officers to target her fans, adding that she would protect them if enforcement agents appeared at the venue. The comments drew loud cheers from the audience before she resumed the performance with ‘I like it’.

As the footage spread online, the Department of Homeland Security responded from its official social media account, resharing coverage of the incident and making a remark that referenced the rapper’s past controversies. The post triggered immediate backlash, with many accusing the agency of attempting to discredit her rather than address the substance of her comments.

Cardi later pushed back online, criticising the department’s response and reiterating her opposition to immigration enforcement actions. The exchange quickly escalated, drawing widespread attention and placing the rapper among a growing list of celebrities speaking out against ICE in recent weeks.

The controversy has partly overshadowed the launch of Cardi’s Little miss drama arena tour, which opened with a near two-hour set packed with new material from Am I the drama? alongside hits from Invasion of Privacy. The opening night featured elaborate choreography, high-energy production and a tightly paced setlist that included tracks such as ‘WAP’, ‘Up’ and ‘Bodak yellow’.

The 35-date tour continues across North America through April, with upcoming stops including Las Vegas and a hometown performance at Madison Square Garden on March 25.