Spotify will continue to run ICE ads despite the backlash.

Question

Spotify stands by the ICE recruitment ads they are running on the app despite backlash from both the public and artists. Spotify states that running these ads does not violate any of their advertising policies, and if a user doesn't like listening to these ads, they should just react with a "thumbs down" on the app instead. Artists are requesting to have their music taken off the platform after Spotify's refusal to remove these advertisements.

Answer 1

This appears to be true. As part of its “Defend the Homeland” campaign, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has intensified hiring efforts, including the use of advertising packages. Euronews reports that these ads refer to “dangerous illegals” and urge U.S. residents to become ICE agents, using phrases such as “Fulfill your mission to protect America.”

While coverage like this Politico report has documented the DHS’s broader increase in advertising and recruitment—particularly on online platforms such as YouTube—it does not mention Spotify specifically. However, several prominent music news outlets, including Rolling Stone, Consequence of Sound, and AV Club, have reported on ICE recruitment ads appearing on Spotify.

A Spotify spokesperson confirmed to Snopes that “at least one ICE recruitment advertisement appeared on the platform” and that the content doesn't violate Spotify's advertising policies. She instead suggests that disgruntled users should 'dislike' the ad to adjust their ad preferences. Snopes also spoke with Tricia McLaughlin, assistant DHS secretary, who issued a statement acknowledging the agency’s recruitment campaign.

Examples of the ads can be viewed [here] and [here].

Answer 2

This claim seems to be true. According to this source, Spotify has willingly pushed ads promoting ICE and a spokesperson from Spotify stated that “the ads—which encourage listeners to “join the mission to protect America” and “fulfill your mission” by applying to become an ICE agent—do not violate Spotify’s advertising policies”. Thought 

https://www.avclub.com/spotify-stands-by-ice-recruitment-ads

According to Rolling Stone magazine, the Department of Homeland Security has been running more ads on streaming services like Spotify, Max, and Pandora. This online push has received backlash from users, many boycotting services or applying VPN’s to not promote or view the ads. DHS has spent over $6.5 million this month on advertisements. 

https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/ice-ads-all-over-streaming-services-spotify-hbo-pandora-1235447970/

Answer 3

Yes, it is true that Spotify and other music listening companies have been promoting advertisements for the Department of Homeland Security, the department that falls under ICE. According to Rolling Stone multiple people have heard these advertisements, with some people responding by ending their membership to the music streaming company. This doesn't come at a surprise that the Department of Homeland Security is advertising since Donald Trump's team invested 30 billion dollars to hire 10,000 individuals to join the department. I understand that these streaming services are trying to maximize revenue by having advertisements, but I think its very interesting that they decided to use the Department of Homeland Securities advertisement because in my opinion, listening to music is an escape from real world problems and listening to the advertisements on those streaming services might rub people the wrong way. 

Rolling Stone article: 

https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/ice-ads-all-over-streaming-services-spotify-hbo-pandora-1235447970/

Answer 4

The claim that Spotify will continue to run ICE ads despite the backlash does appear to be true based off of multiple sources I found. Spotify confirmed it would not remove U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) recruitment ads from its platform, stating that they are in compliance with its advertising polices. According to The A.V. Club. Spotify defended the decision despite public and artist criticism. A Rolling Stone article also reported that the ads continue to appear across major streaming services, including Spotify, even after widespread backlash. Additional coverage from DJ Mag supports that Spotify has stood by its stance, explaining that the ads are part of a government recruitment campaign. Overall, the evidence confirms that Spotify has chosen to continue running ICE ads despite the ongoing criticism.

https://www.avclub.com/spotify-stands-by-ice-recruitment-ads

https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/ice-ads-all-over-streaming-services-spotify-hbo-pandora-1235447970/

https://djmag.com/news/spotify-defends-running-ice-recruitment-ads-about-dangerous-illegals-part-of-us-government

Answer 5

After researching credible sources, I found this claim to be true. In 2019, Spotify confirmed that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) recruitment ads ran on its platform. The company said the ads followed its regular advertising rules, even though many artists and listeners protested.

The primary source is Spotify’s own statement quoted by The AV Club, saying that “these ads do not violate our advertising policies.” This shows that Spotify made the decision consciously and did not plan to remove the ads.

https://www.avclub.com/spotify-stands-by-ice-recruitment-ads

Secondary sources like Snopes and Euronews confirmed the same story and explained the artists’ backlash.

https://www.euronews.com/culture/2025/10/22/spotify-users-boycott-streaming-platform-over-ice-recruitment-ads?utm_source=chatgpt.com

https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/spotify-ice-recruitment-ads/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Spotify clearly has a business bias, since ads bring income, while artists’ reactions show ethical bias against ICE. The evidence supports the claim, with no serious counterarguments. I tried to find an official update on Spotify’s press site but didn’t get a reply.

In conclusion, the claim is accurate. This story shows how companies balance business decisions and public pressure, and why checking multiple sources is key before believing online claims.