Tyler, The Creator Criticizes ICE and Trump After Minneapolis Shooting

Grammy-nominated rapper voices ongoing opposition to immigration enforcement agency and former president

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Grammy-winning rapper Tyler, the Creator has once again voiced opposition to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), sharing a clip from the 2002 film Paid in Full on Instagram featuring a character declaring 'F**k Ice.' The post arrived amid heightened tensions following the death of Alex Jeffrey Pretti, who was shot and killed by a federal agent in Minneapolis. Tyler, the Creator also seemingly criticized supporters of former President Donald Trump in the caption.

Why it matters

Tyler, the Creator's repeated use of the Paid in Full clip demonstrates a sustained commitment to publicly opposing ICE and, by extension, policies associated with the previous administration. This type of artistic activism can amplify public discourse and mobilize support around specific political issues.

The details

On Tuesday, January 27, Tyler, the Creator shared the clip from Paid in Full, accompanied by a caption reading, 'Again. And anyone that voted for that man,' likely referencing Donald Trump. This is not the first time Tyler has used this excerpt to protest ICE actions; he previously shared it during Los Angeles protests in June 2025 following President Trump's deployment of the National Guard.

  • On Tuesday, January 27, 2026, Tyler, the Creator shared the Paid in Full clip on Instagram.
  • In June 2025, Tyler, the Creator previously shared the same Paid in Full clip during protests in Los Angeles following President Trump's decision to deploy the National Guard.

The players

Tyler, the Creator

A Grammy-winning rapper who has repeatedly voiced opposition to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and policies associated with the previous presidential administration.

Alex Jeffrey Pretti

A Minneapolis resident who was shot and killed by a federal agent on Saturday, January 24, 2026.

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States, whom Tyler, the Creator has criticized in his social media posts.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“F**k Ice.”

— Mekhi Phifer (character), Actor (Paid in Full* (2002 film)

“Again. And anyone that voted for that man.”

— Tyler, the Creator, Grammy-winning rapper (Instagram)

What’s next

As Tyler, the Creator prepares for a potentially award-winning night at the 2026 Grammys, where his album CHROMAKOPIA is nominated for Album of the Year, it remains to be seen how the artist will continue to leverage his platform to address social and political issues.

The takeaway

Tyler, the Creator's repeated use of the Paid in Full clip to protest ICE and criticize the previous administration demonstrates the power of artistic activism in amplifying public discourse and mobilizing support around important issues. As the artist's star continues to rise, his willingness to speak out on these matters could inspire further political engagement from the entertainment industry.