Billie Joe Armstrong, the iconic frontman of Green Day, has expressed a strong message of support during the ongoing protests against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the controversial deployment of the National Guard in Los Angeles as orchestrated by the Trump administration. His involvement highlights the intersection of music and activism, showcasing how artists can influence public discourse on pressing social issues.

On Sunday evening, June 8, Billie Joe Armstrong took to social media to share a compelling protest clip from downtown Los Angeles via Instagram Stories. His post was accompanied by a provocative middle-finger emoji and an ice cube, underscoring his discontent with the ongoing situation. The video featured a live rendition of “F— Off,” a powerful track from Saviors (Édition de Luxe), the deluxe version of Green Day’s 2024 album, which is set to release in May 2025. This act of defiance not only reflects Armstrong’s personal stance but also resonates with the sentiments of many who feel marginalized by current policies.

Armstrong’s post comes at a time when there is escalating criticism of federal operations targeting undocumented immigrants in Southern California. Recent actions by ICE agents have led to the detention of numerous individuals suspected of being undocumented, igniting public outrage. This crackdown was further intensified by the unexpected deployment of National Guard troops to Los Angeles, marking a significant and controversial moment in American history where state governors were not consulted regarding military presence in their jurisdictions. This situation has raised profound questions about civil rights and state sovereignty.

California Governor Gavin Newsom publicly condemned this military action, labeling it a “serious breach of state sovereignty” in a letter issued on Sunday afternoon. Similarly, L.A. Mayor Karen Bass expressed her disapproval during a press conference, referring to the deployment as “provoked chaos.” Their statements highlight the growing concern among local leaders regarding the federal government’s approach to immigration enforcement and the implications it has for community safety and trust.

Armstrong’s outspoken message also follows troubling comments made by Finneas, the acclaimed producer and artist, who revealed he was tear-gassed while participating in what he described as a “very peaceful protest” in downtown Los Angeles. This personal experience serves as a chilling reminder of the potential dangers activists face when advocating for their beliefs in the current political climate.

Finneas took to Instagram to recount his harrowing experience, stating: “Tear-gassed almost immediately at the very peaceful protest downtown — they’re inciting this.” His powerful words resonate with many who have witnessed or experienced similar violence at the hands of law enforcement during protests. Additionally, he shared a video capturing 9News Australia correspondent Lauren Tomasi being struck in the leg by a rubber bullet while she was covering the protest live, further highlighting the dangerous environment surrounding these demonstrations.

The protests erupted on Friday in direct response to the ICE raids targeting several businesses in the Los Angeles area. By Sunday, the deployment of the National Guard was evident, and social media was inundated with images of heavily armed officers confronting peaceful demonstrators, including journalists and musicians. These visuals have raised alarm and prompted discussions about the militarization of policing and the treatment of citizens exercising their right to protest.

For Billie Joe Armstrong, this act of resistance aligns with a long-standing legacy of utilizing music as a vehicle for social change. Green Day has consistently used their platform to address various forms of institutional injustice, ranging from the anti-Bush sentiments expressed in American Idiot to more recent critiques of gun violence and authoritarianism in contemporary society. Their commitment to activism through art serves as an inspiring force for many and underscores the powerful role of musicians in advocating for change.