Rage Against The Machine guitarist Tom Morello appeared to call for a government overthrow on 4th of July.
Tom Morello has recently intensified his political activism, taking a frontline role in Los Angeles protests against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids. On June 8, 2025, he was seen marching through Boyle Heights and downtown L.A. as part of the “No Kings” demonstrations, which erupted in response to aggressive ICE operations targeting immigrant communities. Morello wore a helmet and a shirt reading “Destroy American Fascism,” standing shoulder to shoulder with working-class Angelenos, many of whom had been directly impacted by the detentions.
A week later, on June 16 and 17, Morello organized a benefit concert titled “Defend L.A.” at the Echoplex, raising funds for immigrant rights group CHIRLA. The event combined music, protest, and community organizing. It featured performances by B-Real, Pussy Riot, K.Flay, and a DJ set from Shepard Fairey, with comedian George Lopez serving as emcee. Morello used the event not only to entertain but to issue a powerful political message, declaring, “No one’s coming to save us except for us.”
During his set, Morello performed in front of visuals depicting the real faces of immigrant families caught in the crossfire of ICE’s policies. He also filmed a music video in the streets of Boyle Heights for an upcoming protest anthem, highlighting the emotional toll and urgency of the issue.
Morello, a longtime activist and self-identified socialist, has consistently used his platform to criticize both Democratic and Republican establishments. He believes neither party sufficiently represents the working class, and has called the current political moment “a time of rising authoritarianism.” His political involvement goes beyond statements—he’s co-founded Axis of Justice, a nonprofit organization uniting musicians with grassroots movements, and continues to support labor unions, immigrant rights, anti-racist campaigns, and environmental causes.
He told the crowd at the Echoplex that artists and citizens must take responsibility into their own hands: “The cavalry is not coming—you’re it.” Morello’s actions in recent weeks show he’s not content to remain a symbolic figure—he’s on the ground, in the streets, turning his politics into protest and his music into a rallying cry.
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