At the 2026 Grammy Awards, held at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, music's biggest night transformed into a platform for political protest. Several high-profile artists used their moment in the spotlight to condemn the actions of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers, wearing symbolic pins and delivering impassioned speeches that resonated far beyond the ceremony.
Artists Take a Stand on the Global Stage
The annual celebration of musical achievement was punctuated by calls for justice and humanity. Pop stars Billie Eilish, Olivia Dean, and Bad Bunny led the charge, each leveraging their winner's speech to address the controversial deployment of ICE agents in American cities. The visual symbol of their protest was the 'Ice Out' pin, prominently worn by artists and attendees throughout the evening.
Billie Eilish's Hopeful Call to Action
Accepting the Song of the Year award for Wildflower, Billie Eilish took to the stage with her brother and collaborator, Finneas. Both wore the distinctive protest pins. After expressing her gratitude, Eilish shifted focus, stating powerfully that 'no one is illegal on stolen land.'
'It's just really hard to know what to say and what to do right now,' she confessed to the audience. 'I feel really hopeful in this room, and I feel like we just need to keep fighting and speaking up and protesting, and our voices really do matter, and the people matter.' Her words served as a rallying cry for continued activism.
Olivia Dean's Personal Tribute to Immigrants
British singer Olivia Dean, who triumphed in the Best New Artist category, offered a deeply personal perspective. Becoming emotional after her win, Dean dedicated her award to her team and family before highlighting her heritage.
'I'm up here as a granddaughter of an immigrant,' she declared. 'I wouldn't be here if it were not for immigration. I'm a product of bravery, and I think those people deserve to be celebrated.' Her speech underscored the human stories behind immigration policy, framing it as an act of courage worthy of honour.
Bad Bunny's Plea for Love Over Hate
Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny, who won Album of the Year for Debi Tirar Mas Fotos, delivered a bilingual and emotionally charged message. Before thanking anyone, he opened with a clear demand: 'Ice out.'
He challenged dehumanising rhetoric, asserting, 'We're not savages, we're not animals, we're not aliens, we are humans and we are Americans.' His central thesis was a call for unity through love. 'The only thing that is more powerful than hate is love,' he urged the crowd. 'So please, we need to be different... we have to do it with love.' He later dedicated his award in English to all those who had to leave their homeland to pursue their dreams.
The Wider Protest and Ceremony Highlights
The protest was not confined to the main winners. Artists including Joni Mitchell, Kehlani, and Bon Iver's Justin Vernon were also seen wearing 'Ice Out' and 'Be Good' pins. Vernon wore a whistle as a tribute to legal observers monitoring ICE agents on the ground. Kehlani, winning her first Grammy, was more direct, stating 'f*** Ice' in her acceptance speech and encouraging others to speak out.
The political statements unfolded against the backdrop of the usual Grammy spectacle. Kendrick Lamar was the night's biggest winner, taking home five awards including Record of the Year for Luther featuring SZA. A humorous moment occurred when presenter Cher mistakenly referred to Lamar's collaborator as the late Luther Vandross. Lady Gaga also won multiple awards, including Best Pop Vocal Album for Mayhem.
Performances ranged from Tyler, The Creator's dramatic staging involving a crashed Ferrari to Justin Bieber's praised return to the Grammy stage. The night also featured tributes to music legends Ozzy Osbourne, D'Angelo, and Roberta Flack.
The Context of the ICE Protests
The artists' protests were a direct response to President Donald Trump's mass deportation initiative, which has seen thousands of ICE officers deployed to US cities, notably in Minnesota and Minneapolis. The agents have faced severe criticism for their aggressive tactics, with recent incidents including the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti on Minneapolis streets in January 2026.
By using one of the world's most-watched entertainment events as their platform, Billie Eilish, Olivia Dean, Bad Bunny, and their peers amplified a critical political message, blending celebration with a powerful demand for change and compassion in immigration policy.
