Can a Rap Song Stop ICE?
Musician Thomas Hudson released a song titled 'CHANGE' to highlight the human impact of U.S. immigration enforcement, drawing from his family’s personal experiences with immigration. He argues that while music alone cannot change policy, it can challenge moral complacency and amplify ongoing resistance. Hudson calls for self-reflection and compassion, emphasizing the contributions and belonging of immigrant communities. The song is a call to confront national indifference rather than a direct political solution.
- ▪Thomas Hudson, a first-generation American of Venezuelan and British descent, wrote 'CHANGE' in response to ICE raids and family separations.
- ▪His mother was arrested during her immigration process, an experience that deeply influenced his perspective on immigration enforcement.
- ▪Hudson sees music as part of a broader movement of resistance, giving emotional weight to issues often reduced to political debate.
- ▪He questions the moral cost of ignoring systemic cruelty, especially when it conflicts with professed religious values like 'love your neighbor.'
- ▪The song emphasizes that real change begins with personal accountability, not just policy reform or political outrage.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
By Thomas HudsonShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberSee more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.I released a song called “CHANGE.” I did not write it because I thought music alone could solve immigration policy. I wrote it because non-stop stories about ICE raids, family separation and immigrant communities living in fear made something old feel immediate again.My mother is Venezuelan. My father is British. I grew up understanding immigration not as a headline but as part of our family story. Years ago, during my mother’s immigration process, she was arrested. I was young, but I remember the fear. The uncertainty.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Newsweek.
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