The former NASCAR and IndyCar star Danica Patrick has once again found herself at the center of a heated social media storm, this time after publicly declaring her support for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and issuing what many perceived as a provocative challenge directed at Nashville. In a fiery statement that quickly went viral, Patrick proclaimed, “I don’t care if they cancel me again!”—a defiant reference to past backlash she has faced for her outspoken conservative-leaning views—while aligning herself firmly with ICE amid ongoing national debates over immigration enforcement.
The controversy erupted in early 2026, against the backdrop of heightened tensions surrounding immigration policy following recent political shifts and public discussions about border security. Patrick, 43, who retired from professional racing in 2018 but remains a prominent media figure through podcasts, appearances, and social commentary, took to a public forum—described by attendees as a packed conservative-leaning gathering—to voice her position. Witnesses and posts circulating on platforms like Facebook and X captured her delivering the remarks with characteristic intensity, roaring to the audience that she stood unapologetically with ICE’s mission to enforce immigration laws.
She reportedly framed her stance as a defense of national sovereignty and rule of law, criticizing what she called lenient or sanctuary-style policies in certain cities.
The direct challenge to Nashville appeared tied to the city’s reputation as a progressive hub in a red-leaning state, as well as its status as a popular destination for music, tourism, and events that attract diverse crowds. Sources familiar with the event suggest Patrick referenced Nashville’s cultural scene and local attitudes toward immigration enforcement, daring critics in the city—or perhaps its leadership—to confront her views head-on. “If Nashville thinks it can ignore the laws of this country, come at me,” she allegedly said, according to recirculated clips and attendee accounts.
The comment was interpreted by many as a taunt aimed at the city’s sanctuary-leaning elements or its vibrant Latino and immigrant communities, amplifying the backlash.
Social media exploded almost immediately. Hashtags like #DanicaPatrick, #StandWithICE, and #CancelDanica trended regionally and nationally, with users divided sharply along ideological lines. Supporters praised her for what they saw as courageous honesty in an era of perceived political correctness, flooding comment sections with messages of solidarity: “Finally someone says it out loud,” one X user wrote. “Danica isn’t afraid to stand up for America first.” Conservative outlets and influencers amplified the moment, portraying it as a bold stand against “woke” culture and open-border advocacy.
Critics, however, unleashed a torrent of condemnation, accusing Patrick of stoking division, promoting xenophobia, and reviving tired culture-war tropes. “This is just another rich celebrity cosplaying as a tough guy on immigration while ignoring the human cost,” one prominent commentator posted. Others pointed to her history of controversial statements, including her 2025 criticism of Bad Bunny’s selection as Super Bowl halftime performer—a rant that drew accusations of cultural insensitivity when she questioned allowing a primarily Spanish-language performance at “one of America’s highest-rated television events.” That episode saw her suggest counterprogramming in English, further alienating fans who viewed it as exclusionary.
The ICE comments were seen by detractors as an extension of that pattern: a pattern of inflammatory takes designed to court a specific audience.
Patrick’s reference to being “canceled again” nods to previous episodes where her views have sparked boycotts or lost sponsorships. In late 2023, she faced significant pushback after attending a Turning Point USA event and posting photos that included pro-Trump merchandise and satirical items mocking progressive ideals. Social media users at the time expressed disappointment, with some unfollowing her en masse. She responded then by doubling down, insisting she was “not a liberal” and proud of her beliefs. Similar defiance marked her reaction to the Bad Bunny controversy, where she appeared on podcasts to elaborate rather than retract.
This latest incident fits the mold: unapologetic, combative, and seemingly indifferent to reputational risks.
The timing adds layers to the story. With Super Bowl LX set for February 2026 in the Bay Area—featuring Bad Bunny in what remains a sore point for Patrick—the immigration debate has intersected with entertainment and sports culture in unexpected ways. Bad Bunny himself had previously cited concerns over ICE raids as a reason for avoiding certain U.S. tour stops, a detail that resurfaced in discussions around Patrick’s remarks. Some online voices connected the dots, suggesting her ICE support was partly a lingering jab at the artist and broader Latino representation in mainstream American events.
Nashville, meanwhile, became an unlikely focal point. The city has navigated its own immigration-related controversies in recent years, balancing its economic reliance on diverse tourism with occasional political friction over sanctuary policies. Local leaders and residents reacted variably: some dismissed Patrick’s challenge as irrelevant noise from an outsider, while others engaged directly on social platforms, defending the city’s inclusivity. “Nashville welcomes everyone who contributes and follows the law,” one city council member posted in response to circulating clips. “We don’t need lectures from retired racers.”
For Patrick, the episode reinforces her evolution from racing icon to polarizing commentator. Once celebrated for breaking barriers as the most successful woman in open-wheel and stock-car racing—highlighted by her 2008 IndyCar win at Twin Ring Motegi and consistent top finishes—she has increasingly leaned into cultural and political commentary since retirement. Her podcast and media appearances often tackle topics from wellness and personal growth to sharp critiques of progressive policies.
This has earned her a loyal following among conservative audiences but alienated segments of her former fanbase in motorsports, where she already faced criticism for on-track performance and perceived media favoritism during her career.
The financial and professional fallout remains to be seen. Patrick has built a post-racing empire through endorsements, her wine brand, fitness initiatives, and broadcasting gigs, including occasional punditry roles. Past backlashes have occasionally led to lost opportunities, but she has proven resilient, often turning controversy into engagement. Whether this ICE stance leads to broader boycotts or solidifies her as a voice for a particular demographic is unclear, but it has undeniably kept her in the headlines.
As the dust settles, the incident underscores the polarized state of public discourse in 2026. What began as a forum remark has spiraled into a national talking point, with Patrick at its center—unbowed, unapologetic, and seemingly energized by the fight. “I don’t care if they cancel me again,” she declared, and for now, the statement stands as both shield and sword in an ongoing culture battle.
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