Grammy Stars Stand Against ICE: A Vibrant Protest Amid Awards Night Glamour

Mon Feb 02 2026 05:18:45 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As the Grammys highlighted musical brilliance, artists took a stand against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, wearing protest pins and offering powerful messages during this year's ceremony.

At the Grammy Awards, artists confronted the Trump administration's immigration policies, showcasing significant support for a protest movement against ICE. Stars like Kehlani and Becky G voiced their opposition through their fashion statements and speeches, marking an encouraging elevation in activism compared to previous ceremonies. The cultural impact of the night's events reflects a growing revolt within the entertainment industry against government crackdowns on immigrant communities.

The Grammy Awards have always been a celebration of music, but this year they also served as a platform for protest against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) controversial actions under the Trump administration. With artists grappling with whether to express their dissent, the red carpet saw a notable turnout of artists donning protest apparel and pins advocating for the removal of ICE from communities.

Central to the protest was a call from activists preceding the awards show urging celebrities to wear pins to highlight the situation surrounding immigration crackdowns. This call was met with a considerably stronger response than at the recent Golden Globes, sampled against the backdrop of increased public outcry following tragic incidents involving ICE.

“These are folks who are known for rebellious attitudes—like that’s the music industry. It makes sense that we would see good support,” noted Jess Morales Rocketto, Executive Director of Maremoto. Supportive actions included explicit messages like that of Mexican American singer Becky G, who made headlines at the MusiCares gala with her nail art showcasing a message against ICE.

Protest Pins and Acceptance Speeches

Prominent artists such as Jason Isbell, Kehlani, and Rhiannon Giddens made statements not just in their music but also in their fashion choices, wearing protest-themed attire on the red carpet. During her acceptance speech for Best R&B performance, Kehlani didn’t shy away from condemning ICE, while Bon Iver’s Vernon chose to honor legal observers documenting ICE's actions.

Reactions from other celebrities echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that while they're celebrating their achievements, they cannot ignore the realities faced by many Americans due to ongoing governmental policies. Natalie Portman and Olivia Wilde also voiced their concerns regarding ICE's actions, expressing their horror over the normalization of violence against marginalized communities.

However, the night wasn't without its complexities, as organizers recognized that many entertainers might refrain from showcasing political statements due to various industry pressures and potential personal risks, particularly in light of ICE's heavy-handed tactics.

Despite these challenges, the Grammy night transformed into a significant moment for cultural expression and activism, as stars utilized their fame to highlight critical social issues and stand in solidarity with those impacted by oppressive immigration policies.