Grammy Awards Become Platform for Immigration Rights Protests
LOS ANGELES – The 2026 Grammy Awards, held Sunday in Los Angeles, transcended its role as a celebration of musical achievement, becoming a focal point for artists voicing opposition to U.S. immigration policies and expressing solidarity with immigrant communities. A dozen artists used the platform to make statements, spurred by recent events and ongoing debates surrounding the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The protests were notably ignited by the recent fatal shootings of two American protesters in Minneapolis last month during ICE operations. Federal agents opened fire on the individuals while carrying out immigration enforcement, prompting widespread calls for ICE to curtail operations in sanctuary cities like Minneapolis, Los Angeles, and Chicago. The incidents have fueled a national conversation about the use of force during immigration enforcement and the role of ICE in local communities.
Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny was among the first to use his acceptance speech – for Best Música Urbana Album for “Debí Tirar Más Fotos” – to deliver a pointed message. “Before I say thanks to God, I’m going to say, ‘ICE out,’” he declared, adding, “We’re not savage. We’re not animals. We’re not aliens. We are humans, and we are Americans.”
The sentiment was echoed visually throughout the night. Numerous artists, including Billie Eilish, Olivia Dean, Justin and Hailey Bieber, Carole King, Teddy Swims, Joni Mitchell, Finneas, Lachi, and Kehlani, wore pins emblazoned with “ICE OUT” – a clear signal of their support for immigration reform and an end to aggressive enforcement tactics.
Bon Iver took a different approach, sporting a bright orange whistle on his lapel. The accessory was a tribute to “observers” in Minneapolis who use whistles to alert neighbors when ICE agents are present, providing a warning system for vulnerable communities.
Later in the evening, Billie Eilish and her brother, Finneas, accepted the Grammy for Song of the Year for “Wildflower.” Eilish used the moment to address the broader issue of immigration rights. “No one is illegal on stolen land,” she stated, a reference to the historical context of land ownership and displacement of Indigenous populations. The broadcast cut off the remainder of her speech, seemingly due to the use of profanity, but not before she emphasized the importance of continued activism.
Olivia Dean, who won Best New Artist, also used her acceptance speech to highlight the contributions of immigrants. “I’m up here as a granddaughter of an immigrant,” she said. “I wouldn’t be here — I’m a product of bravery, and I think those people deserve to be celebrated. … We’re nothing without each other.”
These displays of protest come amid a broader national debate about immigration policy. According to data from the Department of Homeland Security, ICE conducted over 142,000 deportations in fiscal year 2023, a figure that has drawn criticism from human rights organizations and immigration advocates. The Biden administration has faced pressure from both sides of the political spectrum regarding its approach to border security and immigration enforcement.
The Grammys’ transformation into a platform for political expression underscores the growing willingness of artists to use their influence to advocate for social change. The events of Sunday night are likely to further amplify the conversation surrounding immigration rights and the future of ICE.
