Singer Kacey Musgraves faced backlash from conservative critics after using her 38th birthday celebration at a Chicago concert to spotlight the Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights. Musgraves asked fans to support the organization, which provides legal aid and financial assistance to unaccompanied immigrant children.
"It would mean a lot to me. It’s not even a political thing. It’s just, these kids need help," Musgraves said during the concert, according to a clip shared by music journalist Tomás Mier. She suggested fans donate "50 cents, one dollar or whatever the hell" they could, adding that any contribution would be appreciated.
This is not the first time Musgraves has supported the Chicago-based group. Earlier this year, she donated proceeds from a sale of her personal wardrobe items on Depop to the Young Center.
Musgraves' appeal prompted strong reactions from conservative commentators. Fox News' Tomi Lahren questioned the concept of “unfair deportation” on X, while Newsmax's Rob Schmitt remarked, “Nowhere is safe from libtards. Not even country music.” Another user called Musgraves "TRAITOROUS" for wanting the country to fall.
Conservative influencer Vince Langman suggested Musgraves should instead donate to help children who have lost parents to crimes committed by undocumented immigrants.
Musgraves, who has been critical of former President Donald Trump's policies on LGBTQ+ issues and gun violence, has previously used her platform to support those affected by immigration enforcement. In May, she invited a family of mariachi musicians, who had been detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Texas, to perform at her concert in the state.
Caleb Gámez-Cuéllar, a 15-year-old member of the mariachi group, told NPR's Sergio Martínez-Beltrán that opening for Musgraves at Gruene Hall made him feel "loved by hundreds of people."