Celebrities Use 2026 Grammys to Vocalize Opposition to ICE and GOP Policies
LOS ANGELES, Calif. — The 68th Annual Grammy Awards, held at the Crypto.com Arena on February 3, 2026, became a prominent platform for celebrities to express their political views, particularly focusing on immigration and opposition to the Republican Party’s policies. Throughout the evening, artists and hosts alike made pointed statements against the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency and criticized the administration of former President Donald Trump.
Trevor Noah, hosting the Grammys for the sixth and final time, used his opening remarks to deliver sharp political commentary. Joking about Trump’s interest in Greenland and referencing controversial figures such as Jeffrey Epstein and Bill Clinton, Noah’s humor was met with public backlash from Trump himself, who threatened legal action against the comedian on his social media platform. Noah also teased rapper Nicki Minaj for her absence, implying she was still engaged with the Trump administration, sparking a social media response from Minaj.
Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny made history by winning Album of the Year for Debí Tirar Más Fotos, becoming the first Latine artist to claim the award. His acceptance speech was a powerful declaration against ICE. “Before I say, ‘Thanks to God,’ I’m gonna say ICE out,” Bad Bunny said, emphasizing that immigrants are human beings and Americans, not “savages” or “aliens.” He dedicated his award to immigrants who have left their homelands in pursuit of their dreams, urging unity and love over hate. His remarks echoed a broader call for compassion amid heated immigration debates, which have been a flashpoint in U.S. politics for years.
Billie Eilish, who took home Song of the Year for “WILDFLOWER,” also used her moment to denounce ICE and the concept of illegal immigration on what she called “stolen land.” “Fuck ICE is all I want to say,” Eilish declared, underscoring her longstanding activism on immigration issues. Her brother and collaborator, Finneas O’Connell, supported her stance by wearing an “ICE OUT” pin, a symbol that was also sported by other artists such as Justin Bieber and Kehlani. Bieber and his wife, Hailey, made their first red carpet appearance at the Grammys since 2022, visibly aligning themselves with the anti-ICE sentiment.
Kehlani, who won two Grammys for her song “Folded,” urged the music community to unite against injustice. “Together, we’re stronger in numbers to speak against all the injustice going on in the world right now,” she said, concluding her speech with a defiant “fuck ICE.”
These outspoken moments at the Grammys highlight how the entertainment industry continues to engage deeply with political and social issues, particularly those surrounding immigration enforcement and policies championed by the Republican Party. The Department of Homeland Security oversees ICE, which has been a lightning rod for criticism from human rights organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union and advocacy groups focusing on immigrant rights.
As artists leverage their platforms to challenge policies and encourage activism, the Grammys have evolved beyond a mere celebration of music to a stage for cultural and political discourse. This year’s ceremony underscored the ongoing tensions in American society and the role public figures play in shaping the conversation around immigration and governance.
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