The anti-ICE protests have made their way to Hollywood, with the popular TV show “Grey’s Anatomy” pausing production in solidarity with a national shutdown. This decision comes in response to recent ICE raids in Minneapolis and a series of high-profile killings by federal agents, prompting hundreds of organizations to endorse a one-day stoppage of labor and commerce. The message of the strike is clear: “No work. No school. No shopping. Stop funding ICE.”
Variety has confirmed that crew members of “Grey’s Anatomy” planned to boycott work on Friday, leading producers to postpone production for the day. Season 22 of the acclaimed medical drama from Shondaland and 20th Century will resume filming on Saturday. The news was first reported by Deadline.
Celebrities like Ariana Grande and Pedro Pascal have taken to social media to encourage their followers to join the nationwide protest. Other Hollywood figures, including Billie Eilish, Olivia Wilde, Ed Norton, and Bruce Springsteen, have spoken out against ICE’s increased violence in American cities. Springsteen even released a protest song titled “Streets of Minneapolis,” criticizing “King Trump’s private army” and “state terror.”
At the Sundance Film Festival while promoting her movie “The Gallerist,” Natalie Portman shared her thoughts on the current situation. She emphasized the urgency of ending the brutality of ICE while also highlighting the unity and resilience shown by Americans in the face of adversity. Portman described the current moment as bittersweet, celebrating the strength and solidarity of the community amidst national pain.
The entertainment industry’s response to the ICE raids and violence showcases a commitment to social justice and standing up against injustice. The decision to pause production on “Grey’s Anatomy” and the support from celebrities highlight the power of using platforms for advocacy and mobilizing for change. The call for a national shutdown reflects a growing movement to hold institutions accountable and demand justice for affected communities.
