Choke Hole, a drag wrestling show, issued an apology on Friday for a controversial ICE-themed segment performed at Pioneer Works, a Brooklyn art center. The event, titled ARMAGEDDON, was held in conjunction with a show by artist Raúl de Nieves and featured a character named Visqueen, a sex robot, who announced that an ICE agent was present to deport an alien queen. Wrestler Candy Pain fought the fictional agent and won, but the performance angered spectators, including trans activist Chiquitita, who confronted the cast and criticized the trivialization of real ICE violence. Choke Hole acknowledged the harm, donated over $3,000 to NYC ICE Watch, and urged followers to contribute.
This incident matters because it highlights the tensions between artistic satire and real-world political trauma, especially within progressive art spaces. Pioneer Works, a prominent nonprofit arts venue, became the stage for a debate about the limits of performance art when addressing issues like immigration enforcement. The apology and subsequent community response—including support from artist Swoon and criticism from activist Chiquitita—reflect broader cultural conflicts over how art institutions and performers navigate sensitive political topics, particularly those affecting marginalized communities.