Music’s Biggest Stars Protest ICE at the Grammys as Trump’s Immigration Crackdown Looms Over Awards Night
Several of music’s biggest stars used the national spotlight of the 2026 Grammy Awards to sharply criticize the Trump administration’s immigration policies and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), turning acceptance speeches into calls for activism.
Pop star Billie Eilish delivered one of the night’s most pointed remarks while accepting the Grammy for Song of the Year. “No one is illegal on stolen land,” she said from the stage. “Our voices really do matter, and the people matter.” Wearing an “ICE OUT” pin, Eilish added bluntly, “And f— ICE, that’s all I’m gonna say.”
Eilish returned to the theme of urgency and activism in her remarks, saying it was “really hard to know what to say and what to do right now,” but urging artists and fans alike to continue “fighting, speaking up and protesting.”
R&B artist SZA echoed similar concerns about the current political climate, describing the moment as “incredibly dystopian” in comments to Variety after her wins. “It just feels bizarre,” she said, referencing ongoing immigration enforcement actions and broader national unrest.
While accepting the Grammy for Record of the Year, SZA warned against despair. “Please don’t fall into despair,” she told viewers. “We need each other, we need to trust each other and trust ourselves.” She also added, “And, you know, it’s always f— ICE.”
The message extended beyond just two artists. Multiple musicians wore “ICE OUT” pins throughout the evening, including Justin and Hailey Bieber, Kehlani, Joni Mitchell, Carole King and Brandi Carlile, signaling a broader, coordinated show of solidarity.
Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny used his acceptance speech for Best Música Urbana Album to directly address immigration enforcement. “ICE out,” he said. “We’re not savage, we’re not animals, we’re not aliens — we are humans and we are Americans.”
Singer Kehlani also urged fellow artists to take a collective stand. “We’re stronger in numbers to speak against all the injustice going on in the world right now,” she said, ending her speech with the same three-word refrain heard throughout the night.
British singer Olivia Dean highlighted her own family’s immigration history while accepting the Grammy for Best New Artist. “I’m up here as the granddaughter of an immigrant,” she said. “I’m a product of bravery, and those people deserve to be celebrated.”
Country artist Shaboozey dedicated his award to immigrants as well, saying, “Immigrants build this country — literally,” and praising those who came to the United States in search of opportunity and freedom.
What is typically an evening centered on music, celebration and artistry instead became a prominent platform for political expression, as Grammy winners repeatedly used the stage to voice opposition to current immigration policies and to call for continued activism.
