'I hope our leaders are listening': Lady Gaga condemns ICE during Tokyo Dome show after Minneapolis shootings

She said her heart was aching as she prepared to return home and that people across the country were feeling unsafe and unheard. She called for safety, peace, and accountability from leaders, saying good people should not have to risk their lives for basic dignity and respect. The Tokyo crowd responded with loud applause as the arena lights dimmed around her piano.

Gaga directly referenced Minnesota during the speech. This was linked to the January 24 shooting of Alex Pretti, a 37 year old intensive care nurse at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center.

Pretti was shot by a Border Patrol agent during unrest connected to protests against ICE raids. Officials first claimed he posed a threat, but videos shared online appear to show him on the ground with his hands visible, reportedly holding a phone. The incident followed another fatal shooting earlier in the month involving Renee Good during a separate ICE related confrontation.

Both cases are under investigation. Agents involved were placed on leave and a federal judge ordered evidence to be preserved. The events have triggered protests, statements from nursing unions, and sharp criticism from local leaders.

Many fans said the fact that Gaga spoke from a stage in Japan made the moment even more powerful. Others questioned whether addressing a US political issue to an international audience was appropriate.

Clips of the speech spread quickly, with major outlets and fan pages sharing the footage. The timing, just before her return to the United States, added to the intensity of the moment.

Gaga has a long record of advocacy for LGBTQ rights, mental health, and immigrant communities. Supporters argued this was consistent with her history of using her platform beyond music.

Reactions online were immediate and divided. One user on X said, “This is why she is the Queen of Pop. She uses her stage for people who have no voice.” Another wrote, “Talking about ICE in Tokyo feels performative. Why not do this on American soil?”