Oakland Singer Kehlani Slams ICE During Grammy Acceptance Speech

The R&B artist used her first Grammy wins to call out the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency amid nationwide protests.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 7:15pm by Ben Kaplan

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Oakland R&B singer Kehlani spoke out against the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency while accepting her first ever Grammy awards for her 2025 hit single 'Folded.' Kehlani won best R&B performance and best R&B song during the Grammy Premiere ceremony, using her acceptance speeches to criticize ICE and voice support for the recent protests against the agency.

Why it matters

Kehlani's comments reflect the growing nationwide protests against ICE and its controversial immigration enforcement tactics. As a prominent artist, her public stance against the agency adds to the cultural and political discourse surrounding these issues.

The details

During her acceptance speeches, Kehlani said 'I hope everybody's inspired to join together as a community of artists and speak out against what's going on. So I'mma leave this and say f--- ICE.' She also wore an 'ICE out' pin on her dress, further demonstrating her opposition to the agency. Kehlani's stance comes amid recent high-profile incidents involving ICE, including the shootings of Renée Good and VA nurse Alex Pretti, which have sparked outrage and more protests.

  • Kehlani won the Grammy awards on February 1, 2026 during the Grammy Premiere ceremony.
  • The 68th Grammy Awards aired on February 1, 2026.

The players

Kehlani

An Oakland-based R&B singer who won her first ever Grammy awards for her 2025 hit single 'Folded.'

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal law enforcement agency responsible for immigration enforcement, which has faced growing criticism and protests over its controversial tactics.

Renée Good

A woman who was shot and killed in her car by an ICE agent in Minneapolis on January 7.

Alex Pretti

A Veterans Affairs nurse who was gunned down by ICE agents on January 24, prompting more protests.

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What they’re saying

“My first time being nominated for a Grammy was 10 years ago. I hope everybody's inspired to join together as a community of artists and speak out against what's going on. So I'mma leave this and say f--- ICE.”

— Kehlani (The San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

Kehlani is set to return to the Bay Area this week for pre-Super Bowl performances on Friday, February 6th, at San Jose City Hall and 1015 Folsom in San Francisco.

The takeaway

Kehlani's public condemnation of ICE during her Grammy acceptance speeches underscores the growing cultural and political opposition to the agency's controversial immigration enforcement tactics. As a prominent artist, her stance adds to the national dialogue surrounding these issues and may inspire more artists and activists to speak out.