Kim Kardashian criticises Donald Trump's ICE raids in public speech
Topics: Donald Trump, US News, Politics, Kim Kardashian, The Kardashians
Rhianna Benson
Featured Image Credit: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
Topics: Donald Trump, US News, Politics, Kim Kardashian, The Kardashians
Months after first facing backlash for her affiliation with the Trump family, Kim Kardashian has now spoken out publicly against the US President.
More specifically, the reality TV star has taken aim at Donald Trump's recent enforcement of further ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) raids, as well as his focus on implementing the 'largest deportation operation in American history'.
Making a speech at a high-profile Venice awards event on Thursday (28 Aug) - where she received the Diane von Furstenberg (DVF) Leadership Award for her advocacy on criminal justice reform - 44-year-old Kim expressed firm opposition to Trump's views on immigration.
"In the news you hear, 'Oh, it's about people who have committed these crimes and they're trying to help out our country'," the SKIMS boss hit out in a fiery rant, as per Newsweek.
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"But then you hear about all of the people who have worked so hard to build our country, and so many people that are such a part of our country getting affected. People I know. People my friends know."
The Kardashians star's remarks are understood to have been made in response to the almost 200,000 individuals who have been deported from the United States since Trump returned to the White House in January for his second term, (via Department of Homeland Security).
She continued: "You want to believe that there’s a powerful message in protection, but then you see that it’s not really happening like that.
"It’s really tough, but I think that we have to do what we can to protect the people that have really supported and built our country."
Kim's comments were also made the same day that the mother-of-four is understood to have taken the California bar exam, in a bid to progress further with her law career (via The Mail).
This isn't the first time that the star has used her platform in a bid to condemn ICE raids.
Back in June, following a break out of protests in Los Angeles in response to Trump's goal for officers to make at least 3,000 arrests per day, Kim shared a passionate statement on social media.
"When we're told that ICE exists to keep our country safe and remove violent criminals-great," she penned at the time. 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."
Recalling her Los Angeles upbringing, she went on to claim: "I've seen how deeply immigrants are woven into the fabric of this city. They are our neighbours, friends, classmates, coworkers, and family.
"No matter where you fall politically, it's clear that our communities thrive because of the contributions of immigrants. We can't turn a blind eye when fear and injustice keep people from living their lives freely and safely. There HAS to be a BETTER way."
Unfortunately for Kim, however, her previous comments were met with immediate criticism, given the allegiance she has seemingly shown to Donald Trump's family in the past.
Critics pointed out that she previously praised the First Lady for her fashion choices by sharing a photo of Melania after the inauguration.
"When Trump won, Kim Kardashian posted a picture of Melania Trump on her Instagram," one social media user noted.
"Kim Kardashian literally posted this picture of Melania Trump on her Instagram story during the inauguration of Donald Trump," another continued. "Now she wants to speak out against the ICE raids."
Others noted that she's long been pally with Trump's eldest daughter Ivanka, even wishing the 43-year-old a 'happy birthday' earlier this year, whilst claiming there's 'no one sweeter'.
In response, one critic mentioned: "Kim never publicly endorsed anybody during the election, but post election did promote her friendship with Ivanka Trump."
Another added: "Kim kardashian is acting like she doesn’t hang out with ivanka trump."
Tyla contacted Kim Kardashian's representatives for comment at the time.