Homeland Security says Emmy speech ‘fanning the flames of hatred’ after Einbinder’s ‘F— ICE’ remark

DHS condemns Hannah Einbinder’s Emmy Awards comments, citing rise in assaults on ICE and warning of risks of anti-law enforcement rhetoric

Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin has strongly condemned "Hacks" star Hannah Einbinder for ending her Emmy acceptance speech with the phrase “F— ICE and free Palestine!” while receiving the award for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series.

McLaughlin described the remark as "inspiring violence against our ICE law enforcement," adding that they are already facing a one-thousand-percent increase in assaults against ICE agents.

Einbinder’s words were bleeped during the CBS broadcast, though the full statement spread online and in the room in Los Angeles.

She later told reporters that the issue of Palestine is very dear to her heart.

She explained she has friends in Gaza who are working as doctors and frontline workers caring for pregnant women and school children in refugee camps.

She also emphasized her obligation as a Jewish person to distinguish her religion and culture from the Israeli state, which she called “ethnonationalist”.

McLaughlin said that despite the criticism, law enforcement will continue to enforce the rule of law and protect Americans.

She argued that the rhetoric used by Einbinder is dangerous and irresponsible.

The Emmy Awards ceremony was held on Sunday, September fourteenth, two thousand twenty-five, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.

Einbinder won the award and used her stage time to highlight both her views on immigration enforcement in the United States and solidarity with Palestine.

The speech has prompted debate over free speech, protest, the role of celebrities in political discourse, and the place of strong criticism of government agencies like ICE in peaceful expression.

Einbinder’s remarks have been praised by those who support activism around Palestine and criticized by those who view them as incitement.