Singer-songwriter Kacey Musgraves has drawn criticism for urging her concertgoers to donate to organizations aiding children of immigrants who have been deported.
During her 38th birthday concert in Chicago last Friday, Musgraves asked fans to contribute to the Young Center, a nonprofit that provides services to children in the immigration system. She described the organization as one that "help[s] give aid, legal aid, and money to children whose parents have been deported unfairly." Musgraves added that the initiative was not political but emphasized that "these kids need help... they have no guidance and no way to get through this thing without their homebase or their parents."
Musgraves further expressed her support on Instagram, highlighting the Young Center and the Galveston-Houston Immigrant Representation Project as organizations "doing the Lord's work."
The singer's appeal prompted strong reactions from some social media users and commentators, with many labeling her actions as "traitorous." Tomi Lahren, host of "No Interruption," questioned the concept of "unfair deportation." Other users criticized Musgraves for soliciting donations for immigrants' children while suggesting she could fund such causes herself given her reported net worth, or for not prioritizing American children facing hardship.
Musgraves has previously been open about her political views, identifying as a Democrat and a supporter of pro-choice policies. She has also publicly criticized former President Donald Trump and his administration's policies. In May, she invited the Mariachi Oro brothers, who had recently been released from ICE detention, to open for her in Texas.
According to the notes, an estimated 6,200 children were detained by U.S. immigration authorities during the second Trump administration, and as of August, at least 24 immigrants have reportedly died in ICE custody this year. Musgraves is currently on her Middle of Nowhere Tour.