The opening night of Cardi B’s “Little Miss Drama” tour in California ignited controversy with a fiery call to action. During the sold-out performance at Acrisure Arena, the rapper directly addressed the possibility of federal immigration officers attending her show.
Fresh from a tribute to Selena and a shout-out to fans from Mexico and Guatemala, Cardi B’s message was stark and immediate. She urged the audience to confront any ICE agents present, stating, “If ICE comes in here, we’re gonna jump they asses.”
The energy in the arena surged as she continued, revealing she had bear mace on hand for protection. Her declaration, “They ain’t taking my fans, bitch,” underscored a fierce protectiveness towards her audience.
The crowd responded with enthusiastic cheers, immediately launching into a performance of her hit song, “I Like It.” The moment was charged with raw emotion and a clear display of solidarity.
The footage quickly circulated, drawing a swift response from political figures. An advisor to Donald Trump characterized the rapper’s words as incitement to violence against ICE officers.
The response further connected Cardi B to prominent Democratic figures, highlighting her past support for Kamala Harris and her association with Jay-Z and Roc Nation. This connection fueled criticism from conservative commentators.
Cardi B has consistently used her platform to voice strong opinions on political and social issues, particularly regarding immigration. She has frequently criticized Republican border policies and labeled ICE as “racist” and “terrorizing.”
While some on the left defended her statement as playful or a joke, the reaction from conservative circles was overwhelmingly negative. The incident has sparked a heated debate about the boundaries of free speech and the responsibility of public figures.
As of Thursday afternoon, Cardi B has remained silent regarding the growing backlash. Her tour is scheduled to continue across the country, promising further scrutiny and potential for similar confrontations.