Washington, D.C. – Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin condemned Hannah Einbinder, star of Hacks, after the actress made controversial remarks about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during her acceptance speech at the 2025 Emmy Awards.
What Happened
On Sunday night, during her acceptance for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for Hacks on HBO Max, Einbinder ended her speech with a pointed political statement: “F— ICE and free Palestine!” The remark, which was censored during the CBS broadcast, quickly attracted criticism from Homeland Security.
In a statement to TMZ, McLaughlin blasted the comment, accusing Einbinder of “demonizing” ICE officers. “How ugly — such demonization is inspiring violence against our ICE law enforcement, who are facing a 1,000% increase in assaults against them,” McLaughlin stated. She went on to defend ICE officers, stating, “As this woman fans the flames of hatred, our brave law enforcement will continue enforcing the rule of law and protecting Americans.”
Who Was Involved
Hannah Einbinder: The 28-year-old actress from Hacks, known for her political activism, made headlines for her controversial remarks at the Emmys.
Tricia McLaughlin: Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security, who condemned Einbinder’s remarks, calling them harmful and incendiary.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS): The government agency involved in security and law enforcement, including ICE, which McLaughlin represents.
ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement): The law enforcement agency tasked with enforcing immigration laws, which has faced criticism and attacks in recent years, according to McLaughlin’s statement.
Career/Legacy or Background
Hannah Einbinder, who stars in Hacks alongside Jean Smart, has been an outspoken advocate for various political issues, particularly those related to Palestine and immigration. Her Emmy acceptance speech was not the first time she has used her platform to address contentious political topics.
Her remarks sparked immediate backlash from conservative circles, with many criticizing the inappropriate timing of her political statement during an awards show. On the other hand, her statement resonated with those who support Palestinian rights and view ICE’s activities as harmful and unjust.
The criticism of ICE and calls for accountability within U.S. immigration enforcement have been ongoing, and Einbinder’s comments have reignited the conversation about how celebrity figures use their platforms to speak out on politically sensitive issues.
Public/Social Media Reactions
The response to Einbinder’s speech has been sharply divided. Supporters of her views, particularly those who back Palestinian rights, praised the actress for using her platform to raise awareness about humanitarian issues in Gaza. In contrast, critics, particularly from the Republican and conservative circles, denounced her remarks as inflammatory and inappropriate, with many echoing McLaughlin’s concerns about the risks of increasing hostility toward ICE officers.
The remark went viral on social media, with some questioning whether it was the right time and place for such a political statement. Hashtags supporting both #FreePalestine and #SupportICE trended, fueling the ongoing debate over celebrity activism.
Official Statements or What Happens Next
In response to the backlash, Einbinder addressed the controversy in an interview, explaining that her motivation was deeply personal. As a Jewish person, she clarified that she views her stance on Israel and Palestine as separate from her identity and expressed her frustration with what she described as an “ethnonationalist state.” Einbinder also explained her belief in boycotting as a form of peaceful protest aimed at creating pressure for change.
Despite the controversy, it’s unclear whether this incident will lead to any lasting consequences for Einbinder’s career. HBO Max and the Television Academy have not released official statements on the matter, and the Emmy Awards show continues to be a platform for political statements, as evidenced by Cris Abrego, the chair of the Television Academy, who spoke about storytelling’s power to unite people, stressing that neutrality “is not enough” in today’s polarized political environment.
Conclusion
Hannah Einbinder’s politically charged speech at the 2025 Emmy Awards has sparked intense debate over the role of celebrity figures in political discourse, particularly regarding sensitive issues like immigration enforcement and the Israel-Palestine conflict. While Tricia McLaughlin and others have condemned the remarks, Einbinder’s supporters see her as speaking out on behalf of the marginalized. As the political landscape continues to heat up, the role of celebrities in influencing public opinion and policy will remain a hotly debated topic.
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
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