In a bold move, the nonprofit organization at the forefront of the No Kings protests is urging Spotify users to cancel their subscriptions. This call to action comes in response to the streaming giant’s decision to feature recruitment ads for ICE, the controversial federal agency.
Indivisible Guide, which champions itself as a grassroots movement dedicated to electing progressive leaders and countering the Trump administration’s policies, is spearheading this campaign. They are encouraging not just listeners but also artists to sever ties with Spotify.
Beyond individual cancellations, Indivisible Guide is advocating for collective action. They’ve called for peaceful demonstrations to be held in front of Spotify’s offices and are pressing artists, podcasters, and record labels to publicly condemn these advertisements and stand against the platform’s involvement.
“Spotify is airing ads that recruit agents for ICE, an agency known for mass deportations and surveillance of immigrant communities,” the group stated. They argue that these ads target vulnerable groups by offering enticing signing bonuses and fostering an atmosphere of fear and intimidation within neighborhoods.
While Spotify maintains that these ads align with their policies, Indivisible Guide is firm in their stance. “Streaming hate is not a neutral stance; it’s a deliberate choice,” they assert, challenging the platform to reconsider its decision.
‘Spotify claims these ads comply with their policy, but the truth is streaming hate is not neutral. It’s a choice.’
Ending their statement, they added: ‘We refuse to fund it. We refuse to ignore it.’
Spotify customers first reported hearing Immigration and Customs Enforcement recruitment ads earlier this month.
The nonprofit organization behind the recent No Kings protests have called for a Spotify boycott (stock image)
Protestors gather for No Kings march in Los Angeles, California, on October 18
It comes after the Department of Homeland Security confirmed in August that it would launch an ad campaign via social media and streaming services to target young people, former law enforcement and veterans.
Spotify users reported receiving the ads in between music that encourage them to ‘join the mission to protect America’ and ‘fulfill your mission’ by applying to become an ICE agent.
Many social media users have already declared they are boycotting the music streaming platform over the matter.
Commenting on the business’s community support page, one said: ‘I deleted my account immediately after finding out they support fascism.’
Another wrote: ‘Turns out it is time to cancel Spotify. I have been a member since the beginning but hearing that they are allowing ICE recruitment ads on their platform means they will never see a dime from me until this is rectified.’
Similarly, a third added: ‘Too bad I’m going to have to cancel premium because Spotify is recruiting ICE agents.’
A spokesperson for Spotify said the commercials are ‘part of a broad campaign the US government is running across television, streaming, and online channels.’
They added that the ads do not violate Spotify’s advertising policies, but that users can mark an ad with a thumbs up or down to manage preferences.
Spotify users first reported hearing ICE recruitment commercials earlier this month (stock image)
No Kings protests swept the globe earlier this month with huge demonstrations across Washington D.C., New York City, London and more.
Hollywood stars including Pedro Pascal, 50, John Cusack, 59, Jamie Lee Curtis, 66, and Glenn Close, 78, were among the famous faces spotted in the crowds.
The No Kings protests began in June, coinciding with Trump’s 79th birthday and a military parade celebrating the 250th anniversary of the US Army.
Since then, the protests have continued, with organizers claiming that seven million people marched in the October 18 event in all 50 states.
Demonstrators coalesced around the idea that Trump is an authoritarian dictator, citing his crackdown on migrants, attacks on the media and prosecution of political opponents.
