Published by Cel Manero from Global One Media Inc.
The country star used the Chicago kickoff of her “Middle of Nowhere” tour to encourage fans to support a nonprofit helping immigrant children, making the appeal part of her birthday wish.
Eight-time Grammy-winning country artist Kacey Musgraves used the opening night of her “Middle of Nowhere” tour in Chicago on Friday to shine a spotlight on children affected by deportation.
During her performance at the United Center, Musgraves asked fans to consider donating to the Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights, describing the contribution as her birthday wish. She explained that the organization provides legal assistance and financial support to children whose parents have been deported in circumstances she considers unfair.
Musgraves emphasized that her message was not intended as a political statement, but rather as an effort to help children facing difficult circumstances.
The Chicago-based Young Center works with attorneys, social workers and volunteers to advocate for immigrant children who are separated from their families or are in government custody. The organization focuses on issues including keeping families together, securing children’s release from detention, ensuring fair immigration proceedings and protecting their best interests.
According to the nonprofit, it assisted nearly 2,000 children from more than 50 countries in 2024 while opening more than 1,300 new cases. Its 2025 report also noted a significant increase in the average amount of time children spent in detention, along with a sharp rise in requests for assistance from parents who were detained.
Musgraves has supported the organization before. In April, resale platform Depop announced a special collection featuring 20 pieces from the singer’s personal wardrobe, including outfits associated with her tours and music videos. Proceeds from those sales were designated for the Young Center.
At the time, Musgraves said she was particularly pleased that the project would raise money for a cause she considered meaningful.
The singer has also previously offered a platform to young musicians whose family experienced immigration detention. In May, she invited three brothers, ages 18, 14 and 12, to perform as opening acts at three of her Texas concerts after their family was released from ICE custody.
The brothers perform mariachi music, and their family said they had entered the United States through the former CBP One appointment system in 2023 before seeking asylum after leaving Mexico because of violence, according to local reporting.
The Department of Homeland Security disputed aspects of the family’s account, saying they had entered the country illegally and that federal law required them to remain in custody while their immigration cases were processed.
Musgraves’ latest appeal comes amid a major increase in immigration enforcement. Federal figures cited by Fox News Digital indicated that immigration authorities made approximately 51,000 arrests in July, surpassing the previous monthly record of about 43,000 arrests set in June.
