Rising country singer Zach Bryan is making headlines for a new song snippet that takes direct aim at Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and reflects on the current state of America. The preview of his unreleased track, “Bad News,” was shared on Instagram with the caption, “the fading of the red, white, and blue,” and has already sparked significant controversy.
Bryan’s lyrics reference law enforcement and specifically mention ICE: “And ICE is gonna come bust down your door, try to build a house no one builds no more, but I got a telephone, Kids are all scared and all alone.” He also laments broader societal issues: “The bar stopped bumping, the rock stopped rolling, the middle fingers rising, and it won’t stop showing. Got some bad news. The fading of the red, white, and blue.”
The Oklahoma native, often in the headlines for other reasons—like his feud with Gavin Adcock, a public breakup, and a 2023 arrest—has now ignited debate over his political commentary. After disabling comments on his Instagram post, discussion moved to X (formerly Twitter), where public figures and fans weighed in. Country singer John Rich mocked Bryan, drawing comparisons to the Dixie Chicks and referencing the Bud Light controversy. Others accused Bryan of betraying his country roots and fanbase with what they view as anti-ICE sentiment.
Bryan’s song comes on the heels of a widely reported ICE raid at a Chicago apartment building, which drew criticism from local residents for its aggressive tactics. The timing of Bryan’s lyrics with these events has only intensified the conversation, highlighting ongoing divisions in the country music world and beyond regarding law enforcement and American identity.