Additional Coverage:
- Jeff Bridges hits back at ICE as he channels The Dude and declares ‘This aggression will not stand’ (irishstar.com)
The Dude Abides, and He’s Got a Message for ICE
Hollywood icon Jeff Bridges recently brought back one of his most beloved characters, The Dude from The Big Lebowski, to deliver a unique and pointed message regarding U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the agency’s use of force.
Appearing on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, the 75-year-old actor, instantly recognizable in The Dude’s signature cardigan and holding a White Russian, called for a collective global cool-down and specifically urged ICE to “calm the f*** down.” His memorable address comes as other public figures, including Latin music star Bad Bunny, have also voiced strong criticisms of the government agency.
Taking on the persona that has captivated audiences since the 1998 film, Bridges began his monologue directly addressing the camera: “Hey, world! The Dude here.”
He then appealed for a general reduction in global tension. “Can we just all calm the f*** down?
I mean, come on, I’m talking about all the wars, the fighting, the cancelling, I mean, let’s just chill out man, come on.” He continued by gesturing to Kimmel’s sidekick, Guillermo, suggesting, “We’re at like, what, a nine?
We oughta be at zero. Or zero and a half max, right, Guillermo?”
Bridges then turned his focus to the contentious issue of ICE raids across the U.S., using The Dude’s laid-back yet firm delivery. “ICE!
Let’s get ICE off our streets and into our beverages. This aggression will not stand, right?”
he declared, echoing a famous line from his character. “So let’s just abide together.
We can do this.”
Concluding his thoughts, he shared with Kimmel, “Now that’s just like, my opinion, but it’s a good one, don’t you think?”
Bridges joins a growing list of celebrities speaking out against ICE’s tactics, which have drawn heavy criticism from various quarters. His appearance also follows recent comments from Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who confirmed ICE’s presence at the upcoming Super Bowl and stated, “I think people should not be coming to the Super Bowl unless they’re law-abiding Americans who love this country.” This statement has fueled further debate, especially after calls by some for ICE to “deport” Bad Bunny, who is slated to perform at next year’s Super Bowl halftime show.