Indian-origin pop star Lara Rajagopalan falsely reported to US immigration

Indian-American musician Lara Rajagopalan, a member of the global pop music group Katseye, was recently subjected to a false tip submitted to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). A screenshot of the anonymous tip submitted to ICE alleged that the teen musician lacked the proper authorisation to stay and work in the US.

The complainant was reportedly a K-Pop fan. "There is an illegal alien in LA known by the name Lara Rajagopalan; she has not obtained the necessary visa or legal status required to remain in the US and appears to be working and residing in the United States without legal authorisation," the reported summary on the "criminal activity" form read.

Though reported to the authorities, Rajagopalan is a US citizen.

The musician also faced hate posts and comments online. A social media user posted a screenshot of the alleged complaint involving the Katseye member, accompanied by the message, "See you in the city jail," and tagged Rajagopalan.

As the situation escalated, Lara’s supporters raised concerns that she was facing such treatment due to her Indian heritage.

The complaint comes amid an ongoing surge in immigration enforcement actions, with US authorities intensifying raids and deportation efforts across the country.

A fan wrote on X, "Blocking everyone who justifies racism towards Lara over fanwars. It’s Always her who has to deal with such things because she’s Indian. Do people think deportation jokes are funny? This happened to Hanni and now to Lara. They're getting called 'illegal aliens' over K-pop fanwars (sic)".

Earlier this month, Khaby Lame, the world's most-followed social media star on TikTok, with 162 million followers, was detained by ICE in Nevada for overstaying his tourist visa.

WHO IS LARA RAJAGOPALAN?

Lara was born to Kavita Rajagopalan, an Indian Tamil, and Sri Rajagopalan, a Sri Lankan Tamil. She grew up in Dallas and Los Angeles. In 2018, she featured in a video for Michelle Obama's Global Girls Alliance. She achieved second place in the final lineup selection.

She began training in acting, dancing, and singing at the age of four.

Fluent in both English and Tamil, she is known for her standout fashion sense.

The Los Angeles-based girl group Katseye has rapidly gained attention on the K-Pop scene since their debut in June 2023 with their debut single, aptly titled "Debut".

Described as a global girl group, Katseye is composed of six members — Sophia, Manon, Daniela, Lara, Megan, and Yoonchae.