In many circles, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is viewed as an antagonist, particularly by those who opposed the previous presidential administration. While ICE does have its supporters, it’s unexpected to find them within the Kpop community. Lara Rajagopalan, a Texas Texas-born celebrity from the group KATSEYE, has gained online attention, but not for her artistic abilities. Allegedly, a Kpop fan reported Lara to ICE, labeling her as an “illegal alien” lacking the “necessary visa or legal status required to remain in the US.”
Despite her Indian heritage, Lara is a U.S. citizen, born in Dallas and raised in Los Angeles. Therefore, the claim that she is an undocumented immigrant is false. The individual who filed the report is likely a troll, a hater, or someone prejudiced against Lara because of her ethnicity as a Kpop performer. This isn’t an isolated incident, as Reddit reports indicate that some have mocked her appearance, comparing her skin tone to “mud” and calling her “Jafar.” One commenter noted that KATSEYE aims to be multicultural and inclusive, raising questions about why someone would support the group while harboring animosity towards people with darker skin.
Blocking everyone who justifies racism towards Lara over fanwars it’s ALWAYS
her who has to deal with such things because she’s Indian. Do people think
deportation jokes are funny? This happened to Hanni and now to Lara they’re
getting called “illegal alliens” over kpop fanwars pic.twitter.com/pLXjPaZaEB
— 🧸 (@jentlelogy) June 16, 2025
Another Redditor commented, “Nothing Kpop fans do surprises me anymore,” adding that many fans are “incredibly racist.” One comment stated, “Just regular racism, you know, the foundation of America.” This sentiment reflects the historical and ongoing issue of racism in the United States. Recently, some believe that certain political figures and ICE personnel have contributed to a climate that encourages discrimination against individuals perceived as “looking like an illegal immigrant.” Thus, the animosity towards an Indian-American individual like Lara is not unique, but the ICE report was still an egregious act. Fortunately, many online users have defended Lara, showing support in response to the ICE report controversy.
Such incidents are likely to continue. Until there is a shift in leadership and a restoration of balance in the country, prejudice, racism, transphobia, and other societal issues are expected to persist. Despite criticisms of protests in Los Angeles and elsewhere, their very occurrence demonstrates a desire for reform and discontent with ICE’s treatment of people.
Regardless of Lara’s ambitions when she joined KATSEYE, she was likely aware of the potential for toxicity and racism within the Kpop world. This is not to suggest that she is responsible for the ICE report or the prejudice she faces. Hopefully, she was prepared for such challenges, given the current environment.