ICE can only get pop music for its ads by poaching it

Homeland Security invokes musicians’ ire by lifting their titles without permission.

- LORRAINE ALI NEWS AND CULTURE CRITIC

Another week, another pop star angry that their song was used without their permission in an Immigration and Customs Enforcement recruitment ad.

Sabrina Carpenter’s song “Juno” appeared as the soundtrack for a Department of Homeland Security promotional video posted on the official X account of the White House. It featured a montage of clips appearing to show ICE officers chasing down, tackling and handcuffing people in what looks to be the city of Chicago. The lyrics — “Wanna try out some freaky positions? Have you ever tried this one?” — from the song play atop the footage.

“[T]his video is evil and disgusting,” Carpenter posted on Tuesday. “Do not ever involve me or my music to benefit your inhumane agenda.”

Too late, since Homeland Security had already done it without her knowledge.

Using the work of pop music performers minus their consent is the only way the White House can score their ICE campaign with music clips that actually appeal to people younger than 50.