Zach Bryan faces conservative fury after previewing a song criticizing ICE raids while standing firm on his libertarian, socially conscious values.
Zach Bryan, a well-known country music star and Navy veteran, is facing backlash from MAGA supporters after previewing a new track that seems to challenge immigration raids and police actions. The song, which could be classified among modern protest songs like Green Day’s “American Idiot,” appears to criticize aspects of border enforcement and mass deportation programs.
Over the weekend, the 29-year-old artist, famous for his hit “Pink Skies,” shared a rough cut of an unreleased tune on his Instagram page. The snippet includes lines that criticize Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials and what some perceive as cocky cops, reminiscent of Bruce Springsteen’s socially conscious lyrics.
“Didn’t wake up dead, locked up, or in a cell / Some guys from out of town are sitting in jail / Got some rough news, woke up still missing you / My friends might be screw-ups, but they’re all I’ve got,” the song kicks off, setting the stage for a generational story that echoes Springsteen’s “My Hometown.”
Zach Bryan performing at Crypto.com Arena on 23 Aug 2023
Photo credit: Photo by Katrina Paisano, taken on 23 August 2023 at Crypto.com Arena., Attribution, via Wikimedia Commons
The lyrics continue, painting a picture of a changing America: “How every generation loses the thread of the story / Heard the cops showed up acting all smug as always / And ICE will storm in breaking down your door / Trying to make a home, but there’s no money anymore, well, I’ve got a phone / The kids are scared and left all alone.”
The song’s chorus seems to lament the fading of the American dream: “The Boss stopped playing, the rock stopped its roll / Middle fingers rising, refusing to fold / Bad news is here / The red, white, and blue fading out of view.”
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The Grammy-winning artist’s newest release has stirred up strong feelings among conservative audiences. Many voiced anger over his critique of ICE agents who had been tasked with carrying out deportation programs during the Trump administration.
“Unknown Country singer Zach Bryan, attacks ICE for removing undocumented immigrants. Calling him an ‘artist’ is generous since he lacks any talent!” one person wrote on X, echoing sentiments of those who support stricter border enforcement.
Another person added, “Looks like someone’s about to throw away their country music career. You know what to do.”
A third chimed in, questioning Bryan’s place among modern country artists like Tim McGraw: “Can we even call what he makes country music? He was never good in the first place.”
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On top of this, several people left direct complaints under Bryan’s older Instagram posts, with one user sharing: “Why would you choose to alienate half of your fans? Such a bad call.” Someone else wrote: “I used to be a big fan, but not anymore.”
Another fan questioned: “I don’t get it. Does Zac stand with America or Open borders? We already know he has strong feelings about arrogant cops, but ICE officers put their lives on the line to keep our country safe so our families don’t face harm.”
A different comment read: “As a veteran, this song bothers me.”
On the other hand, some fans applauded Bryan for “speaking up and taking a stand for what’s right.” This liberal commentary on the song has further polarized reactions.
“I’m not a Zach Bryan fan, but it’s worth noting one of the big country artists right now is bold enough to call out ICE in his music,” another user wrote, highlighting Bryan’s emerging role as a Trump critic in the country music scene, similar to outspoken artist Maren Morris.
The Independent contacted Bryan’s team to get their feedback on the controversy surrounding the protest song.
Bryan’s quick success in country music included his 2023 hit “I Remember Everything,” where he teamed up with Kacey Musgraves. That song appeared on his fourth studio album, Zach Bryan, which also came out in 2023.
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Though he stays out of political debates and once called himself libertarian, Bryan grabbed attention in 2023 by standing up for the transgender community. This happened during the backlash over Bud Light’s collaboration with trans influencer Dylan Mulvaney.
Bryan shared on X that he believes targeting transgender people is wrong. He said everyone in the country has the freedom to be themselves and added that being alive is a gift, a sentiment that seems to align with his latest song’s critique of immigration enforcement practices.
That same year, Bryan ran into legal issues in Oklahoma after getting arrested. The charge was obstruction of investigation because he got involved in a traffic stop with his security team. Dashcam video showed Bryan arguing with a highway patrol officer. He later talked about what happened on X.
“Something happened with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol today,” Bryan wrote. “I let my feelings get the better of me and said things I shouldn’t have.”
He later admitted his part in causing the arrest. He said he “acted [poorly]” and “should have shown better judgment” in handling the situation, a stance that seems to contrast with his new song’s criticism of law enforcement.
As Bryan continues to navigate the intersection of music and social commentary, his latest protest song promises to spark further debate about the role of modern country artists in addressing contentious political issues, such as immigration and law enforcement. With Bruce Springsteen as his musical hero, Bryan seems poised to follow in The Boss’s footsteps, using his platform to voice concerns about social issues affecting his hometown and the nation as a whole.
Source:
Inga Parkel (October 6, 2025). MAGA turns on country star Zach Bryan over teaser for new song mentioning ICE. Independent. https://www.the-independent.com/arts-entertainment/music/news/zach-bryan-maga-new-song-ice-b2840444.html
Header Image: Zach Bryan performing at Crypto.com Arena on 23 Aug 2023
Photo credit: Photo by Katrina Paisano, taken on 23 August 2023 at Crypto.com Arena., Attribution, via Wikimedia Commons
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