Ice-T Says Changing “Cop Killer” to “ICE Killer” Was an Instinctive Protest

Ice-T says changing the lyrics of Body Count’s controversial 1992 song “Cop Killer” to “ICE Killer” during a Warped Tour show last July was not planned. He says it happened in the moment.

Speaking on The Breakfast Club on Wednesday, Jan. 28, Ice-T explained that the lyric change reflected what was happening around him at the time. He said U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity was heavy in Los Angeles during the performance.

“When I did that, it wasn’t something I planned,” Ice-T said. “We were in L.A., ICE was active, and it just came to me when it was time to do the song.”

Ice-T said his decision was instinctive, but it quickly brought renewed attention and criticism. He noted that old controversies involving him and law enforcement resurfaced in the media afterward.

The rapper and actor, who stars on Law & Order: SVU, also addressed recent deadly encounters involving ICE officers. He referenced the death of Renee Good, who was shot and killed by an ICE officer on Jan. 7 in Minneapolis after dropping her child off at school.

Ice-T said the song, whether titled “Cop Killer” or “ICE Killer,” is meant as protest music, not a call to violence. “I’m just protesting,” he said. “We’re headed into some very ugly terrain.”

Tensions in Minneapolis increased again last weekend after the killing of 37-year-old ICU nurse Alex Pretti on Jan. 24. According to the Associated Press, Pretti was shot by federal agents after attempting to help a woman who was pushed to the ground by an ICE officer. Video evidence and an initial report from the Department of Homeland Security indicate that Pretti was not threatening officers or using his legally owned firearm at the time he was killed.

Members of President Trump’s administration initially described Pretti as a “domestic terrorist,” but multiple verified videos appear to contradict that claim.

Ice-T later spoke with TMZ in New York City, where he warned people protesting immigration raids to be careful. “Stand strong and stay out the way,” he said. “These cats will kill you.”

According to The Guardian, at least eight people have been killed by ICE agents or died while in ICE custody so far in 2026.