Doechii Uses BET Awards Win to Criticize Trump’s Military Response to ICE Protests

At the 2025 BET Awards, held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, Doechii—fresh off her Best Female Hip‑Hop Artist victory—redirected her acceptance speech toward a pressing political issue unfolding just outside the venue. With ICE raids and immigration protests occurring nearby, she sharply criticized former President Trump’s militarized reaction.

Doechii stated, “There are ruthless attacks that are creating fear and chaos in our communities in the name of law and order,” before noting the federal deployment of more than 4,100 National Guard troops and marines to Los Angeles. She added, “Trump is using military forces to stop a protest. I want you all to consider what kind of government it appears to be when every time we exercise our democratic right to protest, the military is deployed against us.”

She continued by emphasizing, “People are being swept up and torn from their families. I feel like it’s my responsibility as an artist to use this moment to speak up for all oppressed people … We all deserve to live in hope and not fear. I hope we stand together.” Her impassioned plea received thunderous applause from the live audience.

The context: ICE carried out significant immigration raids in Los Angeles, triggering widespread protests. In response, Trump authorized additional troop deployments—bringing the total federal presence to over 4,000 personnel—prompting local outrage . Critics, including Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and California Governor Gavin Newsom, accused the administration of using military force to intimidate peaceful demonstrators.

Doechii's remarks aligned with similar condemnations from other artists and reinforced her position as an activist through her artistry

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