Washington D.C. – Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaglin condemned actress Hannah Einbinder, star of Hacks, following controversial remarks about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during her acceptance speech at the 2025 Emmy Awards.
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What Happened
During her acceptance for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for Hacks on HBO Max, Einbinder concluded her speech with a pointed political statement:
“F– ICE and free Palestine!”
Although the comment was censored during the CBS broadcast, it quickly drew criticism from the Department of Homeland Security.
In a statement to TMZ, McLaglin said Einbinder’s remark “demonized” ICE officers and could inspire violence against them, noting a 1,000% increase in attacks on ICE personnel in recent years. She emphasized the importance of protecting law enforcement while acknowledging the challenges of political activism.
Who Was Involved
- Hannah Einbinder – 28-year-old actress known for Hacks, vocal about political issues including Palestine and immigration.
- Tricia McLaglin – Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security, criticized Einbinder’s remarks as harmful.
- Homeland Security (DHS) – Government agency overseeing ICE and other law enforcement operations.
- ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) – Enforcement agency targeted in Einbinder’s speech.
Career and Background
Einbinder, co-starring with Jean Smart on Hacks, has a history of addressing political topics publicly. Her Emmy acceptance speech was not her first high-profile political statement, and it has ignited debate about celebrity activism on sensitive topics such as immigration and the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Public and Social Media Reactions
The response to Einbinder’s speech was sharply divided:
- Supporters – Praised her for using her platform to highlight Palestinian rights and humanitarian issues.
- Critics – Particularly from conservative circles, called her remarks inflammatory and inappropriate, echoing McLaglin’s concerns about potential threats to ICE officials.
The speech quickly went viral on social media, with hashtags #FreePalestine and #SupportICE trending, fueling debate on the role of celebrities in political discourse.
Official Statements and Next Steps
Einbinder later clarified in an interview that her statement reflected personal beliefs and support for peaceful advocacy. She emphasized that her stance on Israel and Palestine is complex and rooted in humanitarian concerns rather than political allegiance.
Neither HBO Max nor the Television Academy has issued formal statements, though Chryce Abrego-Ki, chair of the Television Academy, noted that award shows often serve as platforms for storytelling and public discourse, even in today’s polarized climate.
Conclusion
Hannah Einbinder’s 2025 Emmy Awards speech has sparked an intense national debate about celebrity activism, political commentary, and immigration enforcement. While Homeland Security condemned her remarks, supporters view her as giving voice to marginalized perspectives. The controversy highlights the ongoing tension between public safety, political expression, and the influence of celebrities on public opinion.