Hip-Hop Artist Joey Valence Claims DHS Used Their Music Without Permission to Promote ICE

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 19, 2025: Joey Valence of Joey Valence & Brae performs on stage on day one of the Shaky Knees Music Festival at Piedmont Park, Atlanta. (Photo: Terence Rushin/Getty Images)

On Thursday, December 4, the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released a video promoting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that featured the track “HOOLIGANG” by Joey Valence & Brae.

The clip showcased multiple ICE agents at their New York facility in Buffalo, along with still images of armoured vehicles carrying additional agents. At the end, a blank screen displayed the DHS seal along with the ICE official website, join.ice.gov. The DHS caption read: “This winter, the forecast calls for ICE.”

As the video continues to gain views, the creators of the soundtrack have expressed their displeasure. Shortly after its release, Joey Valence stated that their music “was used without our knowledge or consent to promote I.C.E.” Valence clarified that the DHS video does not reflect his personal thoughts or beliefs and that he is working to have it removed.

Joey Valence, born Joseph Bertolino, is a Pennsylvania-based hip-hop artist known for his punk rap duo, JVB, also called Joey Valence & Brae. “Brae” refers to Braedan Lugue. Lugue and Bertolino met at Pennsylvania State University, where they became friends and soon began making music together. Their debut track, “Crank It Up,” was released in 2021. JVB is signed with RCA Records.

To date, Joey Valence & Brae have released three albums, the most recent being “Hyperyouth,” released on August 15, 2025.

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