Actor Jeff Bridges made a bold statement against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during a segment on Jimmy Kimmel Live! by reprising his iconic ‘The Dude’ character from the 1998 film ‘The Big Lebowski.’ While promoting his latest film, ‘Tron: Ares,’ the 75-year-old actor was pressed by Kimmel to ‘summon the Dude’ for words of wisdom in the current times. Bridges, clad in a cardigan and holding a White Russian cocktail, delivered a critique of ICE’s operations, urging them to ‘get off our streets’ and ‘abide together.’
The segment, which was lighthearted in tone, included Bridges addressing the audience with a call for calm and a warning against ‘aggression.’ He humorously suggested that ICE should focus on ‘beverages’ rather than ‘aggression,’ a line that drew laughter and applause. Kimmel, however, took on an almost protective stance of the actor, agreeing with Bridges’ comments and calling them a ‘pretty great opinion.’
Bridges’ comments were part of a larger pattern of criticism from Hollywood against ICE’s operations, especially the recent raids in Los Angeles. Other celebrities, such as John Leguizamo and Bad Bunny, have also voiced strong opposition to the agency’s actions. In addition, Kimmel himself has previously spoken out against ICE raids and President Donald Trump’s policies, which has led to his show becoming a platform for such discussions.
Following the segment, comments from Homeland Security officials were mixed, with some criticizing Bridges’ remarks as ‘disgusting’ and questioning his relevance. Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin even joked that she had ‘to Google’ who Bridges was, highlighting the perception of his comments as outdated. White House press secretary Liz Huston echoed this sentiment, suggesting that Bridges’ comments were the result of ‘Trump Derangement Syndrome.’
Despite the criticism, Bridges’ performance was well received by the audience and highlighted the growing cultural and political tension around immigration policy in the U.S. As debates over the role of ICE continue, celebrities are increasingly using their platforms to voice opinions, often in ways that blend humor with serious critique.