Zach Bryan’s New Song Critiques Immigration Raids, Sparks Backlash

INDIO, California — Grammy Award-winning country singer Zach Bryan has stirred controversy with the teaser of his upcoming song, “Bad News,” which critiques U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids. The snippet, shared on Instagram, highlights the anxiety surrounding immigration enforcement and has prompted polarized reactions.

In the teaser, Bryan sings lines that reflect the struggles faced by families during ICE raids. Lyrics include, “ICE is gonna come, bust down your door / Try to build a house no one builds no more / But I’ve got a telephone / Kids are all scared and all alone.” The 29-year-old singer’s lyrics tap into a divisive national debate about immigration policies, especially under the Trump administration, which has intensified deportation efforts.

White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson commented on Bryan’s stance. “While Zach Bryan wants to open the gates to criminal illegal aliens and has condemned heroic ICE officers, something in the orange tells me a majority of Americans disagree with him,” she said in a statement to Newsweek on Tuesday.

Bryan, a Navy veteran from Oklahoma, expressed on Instagram that his song aims to bridge divides rather than worsen them. He clarified, “This shows you how divisive a narrative can be when shoved down our throats through social media.”

Assistant Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, Tricia McLaughlin, humorously responded to Bryan’s comments by saying, “Stick to Pink Skies, dude,” referencing one of his previous hits. The public response has seen a division along political lines, with some conservative fans disappointed by his stance, while others praised his willingness to tackle tough topics.

Bryan’s rise to fame has been characterized by personal storytelling and a blending of genres, capturing modern Americana. His recent performances and the record-breaking concert held in Ann Arbor have made headlines, reflecting his growing impact in the music industry.

As the national conversation shifts regarding immigration and artistic expression, Bryan’s controversy underscores the complex relationship between celebrity voices and political issues. He plans to release the full version of “Bad News” soon, though no specific date has been announced.