Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · August 30, 2025 · Entertainment

Kim Kardashian's Clash with Homeland Security: ICE Raids and Controversial Stance

Kim Kardashian has been sharply criticized by the US Department of Homeland Security, after she slammed President Donald Trump's ICE raids; Kardashian pictured Thursday in Venice

Kim Kardashian's ICE Raids Controversy: A Web of Friendship and Fury

In a shocking turn of events, reality star Kim Kardashian has found herself at odds with the US Department of Homeland Security over her scathing criticism of President Donald Trump's ICE raids in Los Angeles. The 44-year-old SKIMS mogul, who has been studying law for six years, took to social media to slam the administration's tactics, sparking a heated debate and raising questions about her motives.

Kardashian, who has previously met with Trump at the White House to discuss prison reform, expressed her concerns in an Instagram post: "When we're told that ICE exists to keep our country safe and remove violent criminals - great. But when we witness innocent, hardworking people being ripped from their families in inhumane ways, we have to speak up. We have to do what's right." She went on to emphasize the importance of immigrant contributions to Los Angeles' fabric: "Growing up in LA, I've seen how deeply immigrants are woven into the community... No matter where you fall politically, it's clear that our communities thrive because of the contributions of immigrants."

The 44-year-old SKIMS mogul - who recently graduated from her law program - took aim at the 79-year-old native New Yorker in Venice; Trump pictured in January at the White House

However, Kardashian's outspoken stance has been met with fierce backlash from Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. In a scathing response, McLaughlin accused Kardashian of being "misinformed and detached" from the reality of ICE operations: "These are the violent criminals who Homeland Security, under President Trump and Secretary Noem's leadership, have removed from Los Angeles' streets: murderers, rapists, gang members and child pedophiles." She added pointedly, "Why does Ms. Kardashian continue to do the bidding of criminals at the expense of innocent Americans and brave law enforcement?"

But what's behind Kardashian's impassioned plea? A look into her past reveals a complex web of friendships and alliances that may have influenced her stance on ICE raids. For one, she has been close friends with Trump's daughter Ivanka since 2014, when they first met at the Met Gala. The two women bonded over motherhood and have since become confidantes, often meeting for dinner parties and collaborating on prison reform efforts.

In fact, Kardashian has frequently credited Ivanka for her support in her law studies. After passing the "baby bar" in 2021, she shared a congratulatory message from Ivanka on Instagram: "Congratulations Kim! You did it! My favorite law school graduate!" But with their friendship comes controversy - some have accused Kardashian of using her high-profile connections to further her own interests and reputation.

Now, Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin has fired back at Kardashian for inveighing against the raids; McLaughlin pictured May at ICE headquarters in Washington

Now, as Kardashian awaits the results of her California bar exam, which she took in July, many are left wondering if her advocacy for prison reform is genuine or merely a calculated move to boost her public image. With a pass rate of just 26% on the notoriously difficult exam, Kardashian's future as a lawyer hangs in the balance.

As the debate rages on, one thing is certain: Kim Kardashian's outspoken stance on ICE raids has ignited a firestorm of controversy and raised questions about the motivations behind her activism. Whether she's fighting for justice or polishing her public image remains to be seen - but one thing's for sure, this drama will continue to unfold.

A Look at Kim's Law Studies

The star previously spoke out against Trump's illegal immigration crackdown in her hometown of Los Angeles back in June, calling ICE's tactics 'inhumane' while advocating for the 'hardworking people' who were being torn apart from their families; Kim and Trump seen in 2019

Kardashian's journey to becoming a lawyer has been no easy feat. She dedicated 18 hours per week to studying law over six years, totaling over 5,000 hours of coursework. Unlike traditional law school, she opted for the California-approved Law Office Study Program (LOSP), also known as "reading the law." Her hard work paid off when she passed the "baby bar" in 2021 after failing three times.

But Kardashian's road to becoming a lawyer wasn't without its challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic and her busy schedule forced her to take longer than the typical four years to complete her studies. Nonetheless, she persevered and recently graduated from her law program with a congratulatory message from Ivanka on Instagram.

A Timeline of Kim's ICE Raids Controversy

The star previously spoke out against Trump's illegal immigration crackdown in her hometown of Los Angeles back in June, calling ICE's tactics 'inhumane'

  • June 2024: Kardashian takes aim at Trump's ICE raids in Los Angeles, calling them "inhumane" and advocating for the rights of immigrants.
  • July 2024: Kardashian shares her concerns on social media, sparking a heated debate with Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin.
  • August 2024: McLaughlin responds to Kardashian's comments, accusing her of being "misinformed and detached" from ICE operations.
  • September 2024: The controversy continues as fans and critics question the sincerity of Kardashian's message and accuse her of using her friendship with Ivanka to further her own interests.

As the drama unfolds, one thing is clear - Kim Kardashian's outspoken stance on ICE raids has ignited a firestorm of controversy that will continue to shape the public discourse. Whether she's fighting for justice or polishing her public image remains to be seen - but this story is far from over.

Meanwhile, Kim ¿ who graduated from her law program in May (pictured) ¿ quietly took the California bar exam in late July and is still awaiting her results, according to TMZ

While the exam is typically administered in-person at a designated testing cite, it's speculated that Kim took hers privately with a proctor present in order to keep the word from getting out

After six years of law school, Kim graduated in May

Notably, Kim received a congratulatory message from pal Ivanka via IG Story after news of her graduation went public