Doechii transformed her BET Awards victory speech into a powerful protest against the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown in Los Angeles, calling out “ruthless attacks” on communities just miles from the ceremony venue, per theguardian.com.
The Grammy-winning rapper, who claimed her first BET Award for best female hip-hop artiste Monday night, used the spotlight to condemn military deployment against protesters demonstrating over weekend ICE raids that swept through LA neighborhoods.
“There are ruthless attacks that are creating fear and chaos in our communities in the name of law and order,” Doechii declared from the Peacock Theater stage, drawing thunderous applause from the live audience.
Her speech came as tensions exploded across Los Angeles following Friday’s immigration raids that resulted in dozens of arrests. President Trump escalated the situation Monday by authorizing 2,000 additional National Guard troops, bringing total military presence to over 4,100 personnel.
“Trump is using military forces to stop a protest,” the Grammy winner continued. “I want you all to consider what kind of government it appears to be when every time we exercise our democratic right to protest, the military is deployed against us.”
Downtown LA witnessed chaotic scenes Monday evening as law enforcement pushed hundreds of protesters through Little Tokyo using flash bangs and projectiles. Demonstrators responded with fireworks and water bottles, chanting “ICE out of LA” while restaurant workers and bystanders fled.
LA Mayor Karen Bass condemned Trump’s military mobilization as a “deliberate attempt” to “create disorder and chaos.” California leaders echoed similar criticism of the federal response.
Doechii, only the third woman to win a Grammy for best rap album, emphasised her duty as an artist to speak for oppressed communities. “People are being swept up and torn from their families,” she said. “We all deserve to live in hope and not fear.”
