Kacey Musgraves faces backlash after urging concertgoers to donate to immigrant children’s charity

Country artist Kacey Musgraves paused her opening-night concert at Chicago’s United Center on Friday to ask the audience to donate to the Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights, describing the nonprofit as providing legal aid to children whose parents have been deported. Musgraves said the request was “not a political thing” and invited contributions of any amount.

The appeal was met with cheers from the crowd, but it sparked a polarized reaction online. Conservative commentators questioned the definition of “unfair deportation” and some users called for a boycott of Musgraves’ music, labeling her a “traitor.” Others argued that the artist, who earns an estimated $15 million, should fund the cause herself rather than solicit fans who had already paid for tickets.

Supporters defended the singer, noting that the children have not committed any wrongdoing and that helping them is a humanitarian issue separate from immigration policy. Musgraves later reiterated her stance on Instagram, posting that children should not face immigration court alone and sharing a thank-you message from the Young Center.

The Young Center, based in Chicago, provides volunteers, attorneys and social workers to advocate for unaccompanied immigrant children in government custody. Its 2024 report said it served 1,975 children from 53 countries and opened 1,388 new cases. Musgraves has previously supported the organization through a clothing resale partnership, with proceeds earmarked for the nonprofit.

The controversy occurs amid a rise in immigration enforcement, with federal agencies reporting record numbers of arrests in recent months.