Cain Culto and Xiuhtezcatl’s ‘¡Basta Ya!’ proves a potent anti-ICE anthem

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The phrase “Basta ya,” meaning “that’s enough,” has a history as a rallying cry for people standing up for themselves in Spanish-speaking nations.

In 1951, Argentine singer-songwriter Atahualpa Yupanqui released the song “Basta Ya,” a protest against unfair treatment and a call for better lives for working people in his country.

During the 1990s, the phrase gained prominence with two distinct groups. The Mexican Zapatista Army used it during their fight against the government, while in Spain, citizens used it in the 90s and early 2000s to advocate for an end to violence by the Basque separatist group ETA.

In November 2025, artists Cain Culto and Xiuhtezcatl used the phrase “¡Basta Ya!” in their song to protest against imperialism both in the United States and around the world.

The song is becoming well-known as a protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement following the death of Renee Nicole Good. She was shot by an ICE agent during an operation in Minneapolis on Wednesday.

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Culto, a Latinx artist who identifies as queer and has family origins in Colombia and Nicaragua, shared a video on Instagram after the death of Good. The video showed Culto burning three piñatas shaped to spell out “ICE,” set to the song “¡Basta Ya!” (meaning “Enough!”).

“Justice for Renee Nicole Good,” the post’s caption read. “ICE out of LA. ICE out of OC.”

The song, however, was originally conceived of as a cry for a different cause.

Culto explained that the initial idea for the song surfaced around two years ago. He created the main melody and began working on the production as the conflict in Gaza began. The melody came from a feeling of frustration, but after sharing an early version with a few people, he set the song aside and didn’t revisit it for a while.

Last year, as the Trump administration increased its efforts to target undocumented immigrants and their communities in Los Angeles, Culto revisited the song with a fresh perspective.

World & Nation

Two leading Minnesota Democrats believe the investigation into the death of a woman shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer shouldn’t be left entirely to federal authorities.

I recalled the song, the strong emotions it evoked, and my desire to make something that would inspire people to take action and turn their feelings into positive change.

As a critic, I’ve been really struck by how this song taps into the weight of oppression, both abroad and right here at home. It’s more than just a track; it feels like a call to arms, and I genuinely hope it provides lasting encouragement for anyone fighting injustice. What’s particularly powerful is how people are connecting with it, especially now. Seeing the disturbing images and footage can be incredibly draining, but this song feels like it takes all that frustration and channels it into something proactive, something that inspires resistance. It’s a heavy listen, yes, but ultimately, it’s a hopeful one.

Culto intentionally blended different musical styles in the track to better convey its meaning and message.

I’m really excited about this music – it’s such a cool mix of merengue and hyperpop, but with this awesome punk edge from the distortion. It’s not just about sounding good though; the artist really wants to get a message across. It’s about celebrating our culture, but also about speaking out against injustice and demanding an end to oppression and calling for peace. It’s powerful stuff!

I was really excited to see that the 28-year-old singer teamed up with Xiuhtezcatl, that incredible activist and hip-hop artist, to really get the message of their new single out there. It feels like a perfect pairing to amplify what they’re trying to say.

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In Minneapolis on Wednesday, a 37-year-old woman was fatally shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent. This incident is part of a growing number of confrontations between ICE agents and the public nationwide.

Xiuhtezcatl started working for environmental justice and human rights when he was just nine years old, both in his community and around the world. He gave a TED Talk at age thirteen about getting involved in environmental activism and why it’s important to listen to Indigenous perspectives. In 2015, at fifteen years old, he spoke to the UN General Assembly about the dangers of climate change.

Xiuhtezcatl explained that he and Cain connected online and began exchanging messages. Cain shared a draft of his song, which Xiuhtezcatl immediately loved. He felt the song powerfully highlighted the interconnectedness of various liberation movements, from Palestine and Sudan to Mexico and migrant communities throughout North America, all facing similar challenges.

Seeing endless videos of ICE agents removing people from their homes and jobs kept the 25-year-old activist constantly feeling furious, upset, and heartbroken.

He explained that the song felt like a healthy outlet for his frustration, allowing him to express it creatively.

Following the killing of Good last week, he posted a clip of the track’s music video on Instagram.

He called for an end to ICE raids in local communities, condemning the current administration’s policies as destructive. He expressed hope for a better future and offered support to those actively fighting back and persevering through hardship.

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The shooting of Renee Nicole Good by a federal agent in Minneapolis has led to protests and memorial events nationwide, including in Los Angeles.

Xiuhtezcatl explained that the song’s message feels particularly important right now, and will likely continue to do so in the coming months and years.

He expressed joy that their work is seen as meaningful beyond just being enjoyable. He believes the best artists have always connected their art to the real-world issues facing their communities and the people they create for, offering a reflection of those realities.

Xiuhtezcatl, who comes from Latinx and Indigenous backgrounds, is deeply troubled by the impact of ICE on his communities. Last week, several Indigenous people were detained by ICE agents during a raid in Minneapolis.

He explained that they’re witnessing ICE abducting members of Native American tribes, highlighting the interconnectedness of various struggles. He believes this situation demonstrates a growing awareness of global issues and a better understanding of how violence seen domestically is connected to U.S. actions abroad – actions that have been happening for generations. He emphasized the importance of building connections and showing solidarity across these issues.

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2026-01-13 04:01