Kid Rock, the rock musician known for his extreme conservative vitriol, has struck fear into the hearts of his restaurant employees. Notices of forthcoming immigration raids and other tactics have fueled anxiety within this community. Late on Saturday night, workers at The Diner and Honky Tonk Central in Nashville were given last-minute warnings to evacuate. This precaution was made in light of fears that a massive ICE immigration sweep would begin on May 3rd. This operation has interrogated at least 196 people, many with no criminal record mentioned.
Kid Rock, born Robert Ritchie, made headlines in 2020 for his support of then-President Donald Trump. He has a long-standing interest in the politics of immigration. He has made a name for himself by going to war against Covid-19 measures. Furthermore, he has financially supported the political aspirations of former President Donald Trump. At recent concerts, Kid Rock has repeatedly condemned what he calls “open borders,” a talking point straight from Trump’s anti-immigrant playbook.
The artist has made controversial statements regarding immigrants, once claiming that some are “murderers” and “rapists,” referencing gangs like MS-13. His sensational comments riled up just about every group left and right. They questioned the short labor force of his establishments, which can presumably count in part on a pool of undocumented workers.
An anonymous employee from one of Kid Rock’s restaurants recounted the evening when management made the decision to send staff home.
“Around 9:30 pm on Saturday, our manager came back and told anyone without legal status to go home,” – Anonymous employee
This new development highlights the personal tension between Kid Rock’s conservatism and his corporate interests. In 2019, Kid Rock generated headlines when a video surfaced of him making profanity-laced tirades about Oprah Winfrey while intoxicated. This backlash eventually resulted in the shuttering of his Detroit restaurant. Shortly after the incident, the Ilitch family, owners of the mixed-use arena that houses Kid Rock’s restaurant, released a statement. They announced that Kid Rock had decided not to renew his licensing deal for Kid Rock’s Made in Detroit.
Nashville’s recent immigration sweep is raising fears all over again. Industries that are particularly reliant on undocumented labor, such as businesses owned by rock star and bar owner Kid Rock, are moored. Hostility towards immigrants is on the rise. In such a climate, the artist’s dual role as a public figure lobbying for harsh policies while acting as an employer grows ever more hypocritical.