Zach Bryan’s Controversial Song Sparks Outrage from U.S. Immigration Officials

Country singer Zach Bryan has faced backlash from U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials after releasing a song addressing immigration raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The track, titled “Bad News,” was shared on social media on Oct. 3 and includes lyrics referencing federal immigration enforcement operations.

DHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin criticized Bryan in comments reported by the Guardian, telling him to “stick to Pink Skies, dude,” a nod to one of his previous songs. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem also condemned the track, calling it disrespectful toward law enforcement. “I hope he understands how completely disrespectful that song is, not just to law enforcement but to this country,” Noem said in remarks reported by the New York Post.

Noem claimed the song undermined efforts to “make our streets safe” and criticized Bryan for allegedly hypocrisy, noting he relies on police protection at his concerts. “They will even defend and protect people that don’t respect them or stand up for them,” she stated.

Bryan, a Navy veteran, responded via Instagram, asserting the song was misinterpreted. “When you hear the rest of the song, you will understand the full context that hits on both sides of the aisle,” he wrote. He emphasized his belief in open dialogue and clarified he was not speaking as a politician but as a 29-year-old “just as confused as everyone else.”

Bryan reiterated his pride in serving the country and his commitment to free expression, stating, “I am SO proud to have served in a country where we can all speak freely and converse amongst each other without getting doxed or accosted on the internet or worse.”