The 68th Annual Grammy Awards went beyond music on Sunday night. Several artists used the global spotlight to protest US immigration policies. They also spoke out against the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under President Donald Trump. The ceremony became a powerful mix of music, activism, and politics, watched by millions around the world.
Red Carpet Symbols That Spoke Loudly at the Grammy Awards
Before any awards were handed out, the message at the Grammys was clear on the red carpet. Several artists wore small pins reading “ICE Out,” a symbol of protest against the enforcement actions of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The pins quickly caught the attention of fans and media.
Justin and Hailey Bieber, Brandi Carlile, and Joni Mitchell were among those seen wearing the pins. Though subtle, the accessories turned the red carpet into a quiet but powerful protest. Some artists also wore “Be Good” pins to honour Renee Good, a Minneapolis woman killed by an ICE agent in January, an incident that sparked national outrage.
AOC backs nationwide anti-ICE shutdown while keeping congressional office open
Jess Morales Rocketto of advocacy group Maremoto said the pins were meant to show solidarity with communities affected by ICE raids. She explained that the message was not about fashion, but about taking a stand. The visual protest set the tone for the night and signalled that many artists were speaking beyond music.
Voices From the Stage That Ignited Debate
The protest at the Grammy Awards went beyond clothing and accessories. As the ceremony continued, several winners used their time on stage to speak openly about immigration and the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), bringing political issues into the spotlight.
Kehlani, who won Best R&B Performance and Best R&B Song, delivered one of the strongest statements of the night. During their acceptance speech, Kehlani sharply criticised ICE and expressed frustration with current enforcement practices. The remarks sparked strong reactions inside the venue and quickly gained attention online.
Virginia hospital fires nurse after anesthetist suggests drugging and sabotaging ICE agents
Billie Eilish followed with another powerful message while accepting her award. She said, “Nobody is illegal on stolen land,” urging people to keep speaking up. Her words referenced the displacement of Indigenous communities during European colonisation, linking today’s immigration debate to historical injustice. Bad Bunny also echoed the protest, opening his Best Música Urbana Album speech with “ICE out” and calling for dignity, unity, and love for immigrants.
Another emotional moment came from Best New Artist winner Olivia Dean. Fighting back tears, she spoke about her immigrant roots and honoured the courage of immigrant families. She said her success was built on the bravery of those who came before her, a message that resonated with many watching.
Immigration Policies, ICE Actions, and Rising Public Anger
The strong reactions seen at the Grammy Awards mirror deeper tensions across the United States over immigration policy. Since returning to office in 2025, President Donald Trump has pursued a strict approach, expanding the powers of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to detain and deport immigrants, including some who entered the country legally under earlier programmes.
Critics say these measures weaken due process and have led to more aggressive enforcement. ICE has stepped up raids in places once considered sensitive, such as schools, hospitals, and houses of worship. Deportations have increased, leaving many immigrant families living in fear and uncertainty.
Virginia hospital fires nurse after anesthetist suggests drugging and sabotaging ICE agents
Civil rights groups argue that these actions damage trust between communities and law enforcement. They warn that families are being separated and children are being traumatised by sudden arrests and raids. Public anger has grown following high-profile cases, including the killing of 37-year-old nurse Alex Pretti by a Border Patrol officer and the detention of five-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos. Images of the young child surrounded by ICE agents spread widely online and became a symbol of the human cost of enforcement policies.
President Trump has defended ICE, saying tough enforcement is necessary to protect public safety and national security. He maintains the agency targets violent criminals and dangerous individuals. Trump has also urged agencies to release names and photos of detained migrants to influence public opinion. While acknowledging that agents can sometimes act “too rough,” he has described fatal incidents as isolated and insisted that enforcement should not be reduced.