Zach Bryan hints at new song criticizing ICE raids and issues warning about potential impact
Country music artist Zach Bryan recently gave fans a sneak peek into an unreleased song that tackles the controversial topic of President Donald Trump’s ICE raids. Bryan, known for his poignant lyrics and powerful storytelling, took to social media to provide a preview of the track, tentatively titled “Bad News,” as reported by Entertainment Weekly.
In the song, Bryan expresses concern over the eroding values symbolized by the American flag in the face of escalating immigration enforcement actions taking place nationwide. The emotional lyrics capture the fear and uncertainty experienced by families caught in the crosshairs of these raids, including a disturbing incident where an ICE agent callously remarked, “fuck them kids,” while detaining children during a raid in a Chicago apartment building.
Bryan’s haunting vocals underscore the harsh realities faced by those impacted by ICE operations. “And ICE is gonna come bust down your door / Try to build a house no one builds no more / But I got a telephone,” Bryan sings, vividly illustrating the sense of dread and isolation felt by innocent children and families. The lyrics also convey a sense of defiance and resilience in the face of adversity, as Bryan sings about a world where music stops, defiance rises, and the essence of the American spirit begins to dim.
The singer’s bold stance on the issue stands in stark contrast to his previous expressions of support for President Trump, including praise following an assassination attempt on the then-presidential candidate. This unexpected shift in tone has drawn criticism from some corners of the conservative country music community, with John Rich suggesting a satirical tour featuring Bryan and the Dixie Chicks, adorned with a hypothetical Bud Light sponsorship.
The impact of ICE raids on communities is palpable, as witnessed during a recent operation in a South Shore, Chicago apartment building. Local residents described a harrowing scene of families being torn apart, with agents reportedly mocking and laughing as they carried out their enforcement activities. Witness Eboni Watson recounted how children were left traumatized, crying, and bound together with zipties, while an agent callously uttered, “fuck them kids,” eliciting both shock and outrage from onlookers.
In a surprising turn of events, ICE confirmed plans to deploy agents to provide security at the upcoming Super Bowl in Santa Clara, coinciding with the announcement of Bad Bunny as the 2026 halftime performer. This development raises questions about the intersection of entertainment, politics, and social justice, as these contrasting forces converge on a national stage.
Bryan’s decision to address the contentious issue of ICE raids through his music reflects a growing trend among artists using their platform to shed light on pressing social issues. By blending personal experiences, social commentary, and musical storytelling, Bryan’s unreleased song offers a poignant reflection on the human cost of immigration enforcement actions and the erosion of core American values.