The Grammy Awards took place Sunday night in Los Angeles, celebrating the year’s biggest achievements in music. While many winners used their time on stage to thank collaborators and supporters, the ceremony also became a platform for artists to voice criticism of former President Donald Trump’s administration—particularly its immigration enforcement policies.
Throughout the evening, several musicians spoke out against the deployment of ICE agents in cities across the United States. Recent operations in Minneapolis and Saint Paul reportedly resulted in two deaths, while ongoing ICE-related protests in Portland have escalated, including one incident in which agents deployed tear gas.
A number of high-profile artists made their stance visible on the red carpet. Billie Eilish, Carole King, and Finneas O’Connell wore pins reading “ICE OUT,” as did Justin and Hailey Bieber—who have typically avoided public commentary on U.S. politics. Jason Isbell, Margo Price, Kehlani, and Rhiannon Giddens were also among those wearing protest apparel.
Artists use the Grammys to speak out
Bon Iver frontman Justin Vernon wore a whistle pin, explaining on the red carpet that it was meant “to honor the observers in Minneapolis” who alert communities when ICE agents arrive.
“They’re there to protect their community, and they’ve been doing it for weeks,” Vernon told Variety. “It’s great to stop here and celebrate music and the power of music, but the real work is in the streets of Minneapolis right now, and I’m here to honor them.”
Several winners echoed similar sentiments during their acceptance speeches. Billie Eilish and her brother Finneas, who won Song of the Year for Wildflower, addressed the issue on stage.
“I feel so honored every time I get to be in this room,” Eilish said. “And as grateful as I feel, I honestly don’t feel like I need to say anything—except that no one is illegal on stolen land. It’s really hard to know what to say and what to do right now, but I feel hopeful in this room.”
British soul-pop singer Olivia Dean, named Best New Artist, also referenced immigration in her speech, sharing that she is the granddaughter of an immigrant and emphasizing that immigrants “deserve to be celebrated.”
“We’re not animals. We’re human.”
Bad Bunny, who won Best Música Urbana Album and is set to perform at the Super Bowl, opened his acceptance speech with a pointed message.
“Before I say thanks to God, I’m going to say: ICE out,” he said. “We’re not savage. We’re not animals. We’re not aliens. We are humans, and we are Americans.”
Kehlani, who won Best R&B Performance, also used her first Grammy win to condemn ICE operations, encouraging fellow artists to speak up.
“I hope everybody’s inspired to come together as a community of artists and speak out against what’s going on,” she said, closing her remarks with a blunt denunciation of ICE.
The 2026 Grammy Awards ultimately showcased not only musical excellence, but also how artists continue to use their influence to address political and social issues on one of the industry’s biggest stages.
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