Sunday night’s Grammy Awards became a platform for protest as music’s biggest stars used their acceptance speeches to condemn recent ICE operations.
The fatal shootings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good in Minneapolis during ongoing Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids sparked nationwide outrage that reverberated through the ceremony in Los Angeles.
Multiple artists wore “ICE Out” buttons, delivered impassioned speeches, and dedicated their awards to immigrants and their families.
What unfolded was one of the most politically charged Grammy ceremonies in recent memory.
Bad Bunny Leads Emotional Call for Change
Bad Bunny didn’t waste a single moment when accepting his Grammy for Best Música Urbana Album for Debí Tirar Más Fotos.
Before I say thanks to God, I’m going to say ICE out.
The Puerto Rican superstar, who headlines next week’s Super Bowl halftime show, addressed the humanity of immigrants directly.
We’re not savage, we’re not animals, we’re not aliens. We are humans and we are Americans.
His message took a deeply philosophical turn as he reflected on combating hatred with something more powerful.
I know it’s tough to not hate these days. And I was thinking, sometimes we get ‘contaminado,’ I don’t know how to say that in English. The hate gets more powerful with more hate. The only thing that is more powerful than hate is love.
He urged the audience to choose love over animosity, emphasizing that fighting for immigrant families means fighting with love rather than against those who oppose them.
Album of the Year Dedication
Later in the evening, Bad Bunny claimed the prestigious Album of the Year Grammy and used that moment to honor those who sacrificed everything for opportunity.
I want to dedicate this award to all the people who had to leave their homeland, their country, to follow their dreams.
Billie Eilish and Kehlani’s Blunt Statements
Billie Eilish won Song of the Year for “Wildflower” and delivered one of the night’s most direct statements.
As grateful as I feel, I honestly don’t feel like I need to say anything, but, that no one is illegal on stolen land. I feel like we just need to keep fighting and speaking up and protesting, and our voices really do matter, and the people matter.
She concluded with an expletive-laden condemnation: “F*** ICE.”
Kehlani echoed that sentiment when accepting her Grammy for Best R&B Performance for “Folded,” ending her speech with the same phrase.
Celebrating Immigrant Heritage Across Genres
British singer-songwriter Olivia Dean, who won Best New Artist, shared her personal connection to immigration during her acceptance speech.
I’m up here as a granddaughter of an immigrant. I’m a product of bravery, and I think those people deserve to be celebrated.
Country star Shaboozey, whose parents emigrated from Nigeria, dedicated his first Grammy—Best Country Duo/Group Performance for “Amen” with Jelly Roll—to children of immigrants.
This is also for those who came to this country in search of better opportunity to be a part of a nation that promised freedom for all and equal opportunity to everyone willing to work for it. Thank you for bringing your culture, your music, your stories and your traditions here. You give America color.
Symbolic Gestures Throughout the Ceremony
Visual protests extended beyond speeches as numerous attendees wore “ICE Out” buttons throughout the evening.
Notable wearers included:
- Billie Eilish
- Joni Mitchell
- Brandi Carlile
- Jack Antonoff
- Justin and Hailey Bieber
Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon took a different approach, wearing a bright-orange whistle on his lapel.
To honor the observers in Minneapolis. They blow the whistles when they see ICE coming. And they’re there to protect their community.
Gloria Estefan’s Plea for Humanity
Gloria Estefan, who won her fifth career Grammy for best tropical Latin album Raíces, addressed reporters backstage with a measured but passionate appeal.
I don’t think anyone would say we want a free-for-all at the border, but what is happening is not criminals being arrested. These are people that have families, that have contributed to this country for decades, little children. There’s hundreds of children in detention centers. It’s inhumane.
The Cuban-American singer-songwriter expressed hope that government officials would “listen to our plea for humanity.”
Backlash and Criticism
Not everyone appreciated the political nature of the evening’s speeches.
Comedian Ricky Gervais mocked attendees on X (formerly Twitter), sharing an excerpt from his 2020 Golden Globes monologue where he warned celebrities against using acceptance speeches as political platforms.
They’re still not listening.
The 2026 Grammy Awards will likely be remembered as much for what was said as for what was performed—a night where artists collectively decided their platforms were too significant to remain silent.