Doechii used her first BET Award acceptance speech to address ongoing immigration protests and raids in Los Angeles. Speaking at the Peacock Theater on Monday night, she told the audience she felt a strong responsibility as an artist to speak out.
“I want to address what’s happening right now outside the building,” Doechii said, referring to protests in Downtown Los Angeles near the theater. “These are ruthless attacks that create fear and chaos in our communities. In the name of law and order, Trump is deploying military forces to stop peaceful protests. Think about what kind of government it is when the military is sent out every time we exercise our democratic right to protest.”
The California National Guard arrived in Los Angeles on Sunday after tensions rose between immigration agents and protesters. The move came amid a growing conflict between California officials and the Trump administration. Protests began Friday following Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids at three locations in Los Angeles, where dozens were detained, according to NBC News.
Doechii pledged to use her voice to stand with “all oppressed people, for Black people, for Latino people, for trans people, for the people in Gaza.” She added, “What kind of government tears families apart like this? Everyone deserves to live in hope, not in fear. I hope we stand together, my brothers and sisters, against hate and protest it.”
Doechii won the BET Award for Best Female Hip-Hop Artist. The category included nominees Cardi B, Doja Cat, Glorilla, Latto, Megan Thee Stallion, Nicki Minaj, Rapsody, and Sexyy Red.
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