Dropkick Murphys parody ICE with new song “Citizen I.C.E.”
Dropkick Murphys have recently released a new song titled “Citizen I.C.E.” as part of their 13th LP, “For The People.” The band has a history of creating politically charged music, with “Citizen C.I.A.” being written 20 years ago as a satirical recruitment song for the CIA. The original song highlighted the agency’s involvement in overthrowing governments and supporting military regimes friendly to the US.
The revamped version, “Citizen I.C.E.,” takes aim at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency and its controversial practices. The song comes at a time when ICE agents are under scrutiny for their actions, including the case of Renee Nicole Good who was killed by an ICE agent in Minneapolis. The lyrics of “Citizen I.C.E.” criticize ICE’s tactics, referring to them as “scumbag grifter’s kidnapping squad” and accusing the agency of abusing immigrants.
The Dropkick Murphys have always been vocal about their political views and are known for their opposition to the policies of President Donald Trump. Frontman Ken Casey expressed his concern over the lack of dissent from other punk bands in the current political climate, stating that many have chosen to remain silent to protect their business interests. The band has actively participated in anti-Trump protests and has been a strong voice against the administration’s actions.
In an interview with the Globe, Ken Casey emphasized the importance of speaking out against injustices and standing up for democracy. He criticized the apathy of some punk bands who choose not to address political issues for fear of alienating their fan base. The Dropkick Murphys have made it clear that they will not shy away from using their platform to speak out against ICE and other institutions they feel are contributing to social injustice.
The release of “Citizen I.C.E.” is a continuation of the band’s tradition of using music as a tool for social commentary. By reimagining their earlier song to reflect current events and societal issues, the Dropkick Murphys are once again sparking conversations and challenging the status quo. Their dedication to using their platform for activism and advocacy sets them apart in the music industry and reinforces their commitment to promoting social change through their art.