The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently criticized Zach Bryan, a prominent figure in the country music scene, for an unreleased track that takes aim at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Bryan shared a sneak peek of the song on Instagram, where he can be heard singing lyrics such as, “I heard the cops came, cocky motherf–kers ain’t they? / And ICE is gonna come bust down your door / Try to build a house no one builds no more / Well I got a telephone / Kids are all scared and all alone.”
In response, DHS officials posted a video montage of ICE arrests set to Bryan’s song “Revival” on X. Assistant Secretary of Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin of DHS, when approached by TMZ for a comment, suggested that Bryan should stick to his song “Pink Skies.”
Bryan later addressed the controversy surrounding the song on Instagram, clarifying that the intention behind the song was not to incite division but to present a centrist message. He emphasized that the full context of the song, when released, would shed light on its balanced perspective that resonates with both sides of the political spectrum.
Expressing concern over the polarization caused by the song, Bryan highlighted the need for unity among Americans, irrespective of their political affiliations. He stated, “Everyone using this now as a weapon is only proving how devastatingly divided we all are. Left wing or right wing we’re all one bird and American. To be clear, I’m on neither of these radical sides.”
While the song touches on societal unrest in America, with lyrics like “The middle fingers rising and it won’t stop showing / Got some bad news / The fading of the red white and blue,” it was quickly drawn into the ongoing discourse on politically charged art, particularly in light of contentious immigration policies and debates on activism.
The DHS has faced criticism for its increased enforcement actions, characterized by a surge in arrests compared to previous years. Additionally, the agency has faced backlash for its social media strategies, including pairing footage of ICE operations with popular culture references, leading to copyright issues with content creators like comedian Theo Von and The Pokemon Company International.
These incidents have underscored the complex interplay between art, politics, and public perception, as public figures navigate the delicate balance between creative expression and societal sensitivities.
