Lizzo Addresses 'Injustice' of ICE Shootings in Minneapolis & Death of Activist Shirley Raines

The singer teared up while discussing the violence and calling for support for local organizations and individuals in need.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 1:31pm

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Lizzo expressed emotional distress over the recent ICE shootings in Minneapolis, where she previously lived, as well as the death of Los Angeles activist Shirley Raines. In videos posted to social media, Lizzo shared ways for her followers to help, including donating to a GoFundMe for a person whose father was detained by ICE and supporting local Minneapolis businesses providing mutual aid. Lizzo also paid tribute to Raines, who built a following on TikTok for her work distributing essentials to unhoused people on Skid Row, calling her an "incredible woman" whose work is not over.

Why it matters

Lizzo's emotional response highlights the ongoing tensions and violence surrounding ICE's immigration enforcement operations in Minneapolis, which have sparked nationwide outrage. Her tribute to Shirley Raines also underscores the loss of a prominent community activist dedicated to serving the unhoused population in Los Angeles.

The details

In a series of videos, Lizzo addressed the "injustice" happening in Minneapolis, where ICE agents have been stationed for an ongoing enforcement operation that has resulted in the deaths of two civilians. The artist shared ways for her followers to help, including donating to a GoFundMe for a person whose father was detained by ICE and supporting local Minneapolis businesses providing mutual aid. Lizzo also paid tribute to Los Angeles activist Shirley Raines, who died at the age of 58, calling her an "incredible woman" whose charitable work on Skid Row made a significant impact.

  • On January 24, ICE agent Jonathan Ross fatally shot Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse, in Minneapolis.
  • On January 7, ICE agent Jonathan Ross fatally shot Renee Good in Minneapolis.
  • Shirley Raines' death was announced on January 28.

The players

Lizzo

An American singer, rapper, and flautist who previously lived in Minneapolis and is now speaking out about the violence and injustice happening in the city.

Shirley Raines

A Los Angeles activist who built a following on TikTok for her work distributing food, clothing, and other essentials to unhoused people on Skid Row.

Jayla Ramirez

A person who wrote on a GoFundMe page that their father had been detained by ICE in Minneapolis and is in need of $20,000 for bail and $10,000 for lawyer fees.

Alex Pretti

An ICU nurse who was fatally shot by an ICE agent on January 24 in Minneapolis.

Renee Good

A civilian who was fatally shot by ICE agent Jonathan Ross on January 7 in Minneapolis.

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What they’re saying

“I am fully aware of the financial recession that we're going through in this country. When I make videos like this, I am never ever asking my fans or anyone who is in a less fortunate financial situation than me to donate to a GoFundMe. I make videos like these, because I don't have the phone number of every rich and famous person or influencer who can help in my phone.”

— Lizzo, Singer (Instagram)

“My heart goes out to Minneapolis. In the years that I lived there, whether it was Philando Castile, whether it was Jamar Clark, whether it was George Floyd, this seems to happen — the injustice happens there. And what I've also seen is the community rise up every single time.”

— Lizzo, Singer (Instagram)

“I am devastated. When the public was turning its back on me, she never did. She was like, 'Stay encouraged.' She would always send me messages of love, and she would never ever ask for anything in return. People like her are rare. Her work is not over. She overserved the underserved … I'm so sad that you're gone.”

— Lizzo, Singer (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case of the ICE shootings in Minneapolis will decide on Tuesday whether to allow the detained individuals to be released on bail.

The takeaway

Lizzo's emotional response highlights the ongoing tensions and violence surrounding ICE's immigration enforcement operations in Minneapolis, as well as the loss of a prominent community activist dedicated to serving the unhoused population in Los Angeles. Her calls for support and action underscore the need for continued advocacy and aid in the face of these injustices.