In a bold statement that echoes across the independent music world, Epitaph Records has joined a growing movement of artists, labels, and fans calling on Spotify to take immediate action and remove U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) recruitment ads from its platform.

The legendary punk and alternative label — home to acts like Bad Religion, The Offspring, and Bring Me the Horizon — has made it clear that this isn’t just a business issue, it’s an ethical one. Epitaph and others in the independent music community argue that streaming platforms have a responsibility to reflect the values of the cultures they profit from.

“Artists and fans deserve platforms that reflect the values of the culture they sustain,” Epitaph stated.

For many within the alternative and punk communities, the presence of ICE recruitment advertising feels deeply out of step with the inclusive, anti-authoritarian ethos that defines much of the music. Fans have voiced frustration that Spotify — a company already under fire for low artist payouts and controversial ad placements — would host recruitment messages for a government agency criticised for its human rights record and immigration policies.

The campaign calling for Spotify to drop the ads is gaining traction online, with artists, labels, and fans uniting under a shared belief: music platforms shouldn’t amplify organisations that stand against the principles of equality, compassion, and community that the independent music world holds dear.

As Epitaph’s statement concludes:

“We call on Spotify to remove these ads immediately.”

Whether Spotify responds remains to be seen — but one thing’s for sure: the indie scene isn’t staying silent. From DIY punks to chart-topping rockers, the message is loud and clear: music is about unity, not division.

🎶 The Riff Report will continue to follow this story as it develops — because when punk stands up, the world tends to listen.