Topics: Kim Kardashian, US News, Politics, Donald Trump, Celebrity, Melania Trump
A social media statement Kim Kardashian shared in response to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids that Donald Trump ordered in Los Angeles earlier this week has inadvertently landed the reality TV star in hot water.
For those out of the loop, last Friday (6 June) a mass protest broke out in the city in response to raids being carried out by ICE officials in areas with prominent Latino populations. The order was given by Trump, who recently set up a goal for department to make at least 3,000 arrests per day as part of his vow to launch the 'biggest deportation operation' in US history.
As a result, workplaces, shops, and hospitality venues have been invaded in recent weeks with the aim of finding immigrant individuals who had allegedly overstayed their visa limit.
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Thousands of outraged LA locals took to the streets to campaign against the outrageous policy as a result, after which Trump went on to deploy 2,000 National Guard troops to tackle protesters.
The move was not only condemned by California Governor Gavin Newsom - who said it 'inflamed a combustible situation' - but was challenged by the state in court.
Since then, a hoard of huge-name stars have also attempted to use their platform as a means of calling out the Trump administration, including mother-of-four Kim Kardashian.
"When we're told that ICE exists to keep our country safe and remove violent criminals-great," she wrote in a passionate social media statement on Tuesday (10 June).
"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."
The 44-year-old went on to recall her Los Angeles upbringing, claiming: "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.
Kardashian concluded her statement by imploring: "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."
While the star's statement may have been spurred by good intentions, she has since come under fire for previously having had a somewhat close affiliation to the Trump family.
Kardashian has been known, for example, to heap praise onto Trump's wife, Melania, 55 - primarily for her fashion choices.
Days after the president's inauguration in January, the SKIMS boss a snap of the First Lady climbing out of her car to attend the prestigious ceremony, showing off her sharp, monochrome aesthetic.
One critic hit out online this week: "When Trump won, Kim Kardashian posted a picture of Melania Trump on her Instagram."
"Kim Kardashian literally posted this picture of Melania Trump on her Instagram story during the inauguration of Donald Trump," pointed out another. "Now she wants to speak out against the ICE raids."
On several occasions, Kardashian - who chose not to endorse any politician during Trump's election battle against Democratic front-woman Kamala Harris last year - has also shared snaps alongside Ivanka Trump, the Republican leader's eldest daughter.
Recently, she fired a birthday tribute in the businesswoman's direction, claiming there's 'no one sweeter' than Ivanka, 43 - who, herself, was slammed earlier this week for not standing up to her father's policies.
Recalling her past relations with the right-wing family, one critic wrote: "Kim never publicly endorsed anybody during the election, but post election did promote her friendship with Ivanka Trump."
Someone else pointed out: "Kim kardashian is acting like she doesn’t hang out with ivanka trump."
Tyla has contacted Kim Kardashian's representatives for comment.
