Democratic Georgia Rep. Hank Johnson criticized Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for “terrorizing” communities in the U.S. after the agency arrested rapper 21 Savage over immigration concerns.
TMZ asked Johnson on Tuesday about 21 Savage and his arrest, and he advocated for the rapper’s release, saying ICE purposefully arrested him during the weekend of the Super Bowl “to send a message to the people in the music business to ‘keep your mouth shut’ about what’s going on at the southern border.”
“I felt like I needed to speak out on it,” he said.
“ICE — it’s becoming an agency that terrorizes certain communities. It’s misusing its power, and I think it needs to be reined in,” Johnson continued.
“You’re basically saying right now that 21 should be let out?” TMZ asked.
“He should be le
Rep. Hank Johnson Says ICE Wants To Muzzle Musicians Like 21 Savage https://t.co/DtDL2zTiD3
— TMZ (@TMZ) February 13, 2019
Congressman Hank Johnson and recording artist 21 Savage attend 21 Savage And His Leading By Example Foundation Host 3rd Annual Issa Back 2 School Drive on August 5, 2018 in Decatur, Georgia. (Photo by Moses Robinson/Getty Images for Leading By Example Foundation)
The comments come as many Democrats have called for the abolishment of ICE in regard to President Donald Trump’s zero-tolerance immigration policy. There have been protests throughout the U.S., including in Washington, D.C., and various parts of California, filled with groups of people all for abolishing the government agency. (RELATED: The ‘Abolish ICE’ Movement Is As Crazy As It Sounds)
Johnson’s office did not immediately respond to The Daily Caller News Foundation’s request for comment.
Follow Henry Rodgers On Twitter
All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporter’s byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.