The 68th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on February 1, 2026 took on a distinctly political tone as multiple high-profile artists used their acceptance speeches and red carpet appearances to criticize U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and call for greater respect and justice for immigrant communities. What is usually a celebration of music became a powerful moment of protest and public discourse.
Several artists highlighted their stance by wearing “ICE Out” pins, prominently displaying their opposition to the agency and encouraging viewers to consider immigration policy and human rights. The wave of statements resonated widely online and sparked discussion across social and traditional media.
Billie Eilish: Voice of Protest and Humanity
One of the most notable moments of the evening involved Billie Eilish, who won Song of the Year for “Wildflower.” Joined onstage by her brother and collaborator Finneas O’Connell, Eilish wore an “ICE Out” pin and used part of her acceptance speech to address immigration issues. She said that “no one is illegal on stolen land” and called for continued protest and activism, emphasizing that voices matter in the fight for justice. Towards the end of her remarks, she explicitly said “f*ck ICE,” a phrase that was later censored on broadcast television due to its explicit nature. Her comments reflected her long-standing activism on social and political issues, reinforcing her platform as both an artist and a vocal advocate for social justice.
Bad Bunny’s Powerful Message
Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny also used his moment in the spotlight to speak out following his win for Best Música Urbana Album for Debí Tirar Más Fotos. He opened his acceptance speech with “ICE out” and highlighted the humanity of immigrants, saying: “We’re not savages, we’re not animals, we’re not aliens. We are humans and we are Americans.” He urged listeners to respond to hate with love and empathy rather than division. Bad Bunny’s call for compassion and unity stood out as one of the night’s most memorable speeches, especially given his historic win and upcoming performance at the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show.
Kehlani’s Red Carpet and Stage Statements
R&B artist Kehlani also made her views clear both before and during the televised ceremony. Wearing an “ICE Out” pin on the red carpet, she told reporters that artists in positions of influence should “make some kind of statement” about the political climate. After winning Best R&B Performance and Best R&B Song for “Folded,” she again condemned ICE and encouraged collective action, saying artists are “stronger in numbers” when they stand up for justice. Her unapologetic remarks echoed through both media coverage and social platforms, underlining how deeply some performers felt about speaking out on immigration issues.
Other Voices and Symbolism
Beyond those directly addressing ICE in speeches, other Grammy winners and attendees showed solidarity in various ways. Olivia Dean, who won Best New Artist, used her time at the microphone to honor her immigrant roots, describing herself as “a product of bravery” and emphasizing the importance of recognizing immigrants’ contributions. Many artists also wore the “ICE Out” pins, signaling a shared stance. Musicians like Justin Bieber, Hailey Bieber, Carole King, and others were seen sporting the symbolic badges, while additional performers and presenters publicly championed immigrant rights.
Cultural and Social Impact
The protests and speeches at the Grammys reflect broader national tensions around immigration policy and enforcement in the United States. Recent actions by ICE — including enforcement operations that have sparked public outcry and allegations of misconduct — provided context for why artists chose to amplify their voices at such a high-visibility event. By blending artistry with activism, these Grammy moments highlighted how cultural platforms can influence public conversation on contentious social issues. Whether reinforcing solidarity, advocating for policy change, or simply raising awareness, the statements made by these celebrities created a lasting impression that extended well beyond the awards ceremony itself.
