Artists Use 2026 Grammy Awards to Protest ICE and Trump Administration's Immigration Policies
At the 2026 Grammys, top artists like Bad Bunny and Billie Eilish protested ICE and Trump's immigration policies, marking a politically charged ceremony.
- • Bad Bunny's Spanish-language album won Album of the Year, and he condemned ICE in his speech.
- • Billie Eilish criticized U.S. immigration policies and wore a symbolic pin.
- • Olivia Dean and Kehlani spoke about immigrant experiences and social justice.
- • Host Trevor Noah made a controversial joke about Trump, who responded with threats of legal action.
Key details
The 2026 Grammy Awards, held on February 1-2, became a platform for significant social and political protests by artists against U.S. immigration policies under the Trump administration. The event was marked by powerful statements condemning the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the broader immigration crackdown.
Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny made history by winning Album of the Year for his Spanish-language album "Debí Tirar Más Fotos," the first album entirely in Spanish to receive this honor. In his acceptance speech, he boldly addressed ICE, stating, "Before I say ‘thank you,’ I want to say ‘out with ICE.’ We are not savages, we are not animals, we are not aliens, we are humans and we are Americans. Hate becomes more powerful with more hate. The only thing more powerful than hate is love. So please, we need to be different."
Billie Eilish, awarded Song of the Year, also used her speech to criticize immigration policies, emphasizing inclusion and historical context by declaring, "No one is illegal in a land that was stolen in the past." She further symbolized her stance by wearing a pin advocating against ICE's practices.
British singer Olivia Dean, who won Best New Artist, shared her personal connection to immigration struggles, noting she is "a product of bravery" and stating that immigrants should be celebrated. Kehlani, honored with Best R&B Performance, spoke out with similar sentiments, urging artists to continue opposing injustices.
The ceremony’s host, Trevor Noah, sparked controversy with a joke about Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein, prompting Trump to threaten legal action for defamation. Trump denied ever visiting Epstein's island and criticized the Grammys for their anti-immigration rhetoric, calling the event "the worst." However, reports indicated Trump had flown on Epstein's private jet multiple times in the 1990s, though no official records confirm visits to the island.
Overall, the 2026 Grammy Awards highlighted the intersection of music, culture, and activism, with prominent artists leveraging the international stage to protest immigration policies and advocate for social justice.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
