Spotify users will no longer be subjected to recruitment advertisements for the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This decision comes in the wake of significant backlash from artists who expressed their discontent upon discovering that ICE ads were being aired on the platform. These audio advertisements targeted users of Spotify’s free tier, which is ad-supported and plays commercials between songs.
What Led to the Removal of ICE Ads from Spotify
The first reports about the cessation of ICE ads on Spotify emerged from Variety, just a day after a tragic incident in Minneapolis where a woman was fatally shot by an ICE agent. While Spotify confirmed the discontinuation of these ads, it was clarified that the removal was not a direct response to the shooting. According to reports from both Variety and Pitchfork, the ad campaign had already been terminated prior to the end of 2025.
Furthermore, recruitment advertisements for ICE were also placed on other major streaming platforms such as Hulu, Max, and YouTube, though it remains uncertain whether these ads continued to run after January 1.
Artists Departing Spotify Over ICE Ads
During the latter half of 2025, a wave of notable artists announced their departure from Spotify, with some specifically citing the ICE ads as a reason for their exit. Research by Loudwire identified at least nine rock and metal bands that have removed at least some of their music from the platform:
- Deerhoof
- Godspeed You! Black Emperor
- Hotline TNT
- King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard
- My Bloody Valentine
- Saetia
- Swing Kids
- Xiu Xiu
- Young Widows
While some bands issued vague statements regarding their decision to leave, others, like the New York-based screamo band Saetia, were explicit about the influence of ICE’s recruitment ads on their choice. In an Instagram statement, Saetia articulated their concerns: “Whether it’s running ICE recruitment advertisements or paying artists fractions of pennies on the dollar while subsidizing voices like Joe Rogan, we just felt it was time to separate our music from their message.”
Financial Aspects of ICE Recruitment Ads
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reportedly allocated millions to run ICE recruitment advertisements since the previous March. According to Rolling Stone, the DHS paid Spotify a sum of $74,000 for these recruitment commercials, which is minimal compared to their total ad expenditures on other platforms.
From August to November 2025, the DHS was reported to have spent over $500,000 on ICE recruitment ads specifically on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Additionally, they allegedly invested around $3 million in Spanish-language advertising on Google and YouTube advocating self-deportation.
DHS Recruitment Success Claims
The DHS claims that its recruitment efforts have been notably successful, announcing on January 3 that more than 12,000 ICE officers and agents had been hired within a year, pulling from a pool of over 220,000 applicants. This increase reportedly more than doubled the number of ICE personnel from 10,000 to over 22,000.
Recruitment efforts are ongoing through the ICE website, which asserts its goal of hiring “law enforcement personnel who aspire to the highest standards of performance, professionalism, and leadership.”
Conclusion
The removal of ICE recruitment ads from Spotify signifies a notable shift in the relationship between artists, streaming platforms, and the political landscape surrounding immigration enforcement. As artists take a stand against the presence of such advertisements, it raises questions about the ethical implications of ad placements on music streaming services and the responsibility of these platforms to align with the values of their user base.
FAQs
Will Spotify continue to run other government ads?
While Spotify has ceased running ICE recruitment ads, it is unclear whether the platform will continue to accept other government-related advertisements.
What other streaming platforms ran ICE ads?
In addition to Spotify, ICE recruitment ads were also placed on Hulu, Max, and YouTube, though it is uncertain if they are still running after the recent changes.
Why did artists leave Spotify?
Several artists left Spotify as a protest against the platform’s decision to run ICE recruitment ads, citing ethical concerns and a desire to separate their music from such messages.
How much did the DHS spend on recruitment ads overall?
The DHS reportedly spent over $500,000 on ICE recruitment ads on social media platforms and approximately $3 million on Spanish-language advertising promoting self-deportation.
