Grammy Artists Speak Out Against ICE Policies

Bad Bunny, Olivia Dean, Billie Eilish and others use their platform to address controversial immigration enforcement.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 3:10am

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An extreme close-up of several golden Grammy award statuettes, their surfaces reflecting dramatic, high-contrast studio lighting to create a glamorous, high-fashion aesthetic, conceptually representing the music industry's role in shaping political discourse.The glitz and grandeur of the Grammys provided a powerful platform for artists to make a bold statement against controversial immigration policies.Minneapolis Today

At the 2026 Grammy Awards, several artists used their acceptance speeches and appearances to speak out against the Trump administration's immigration policies and the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Performers like Bad Bunny, Olivia Dean, and Billie Eilish expressed solidarity with immigrant communities and called for an end to ICE's presence, especially in the wake of recent raids in Minneapolis that resulted in the deaths of two Americans.

Why it matters

The artists' statements at the Grammys reflect the broader national debate over immigration enforcement, with the Trump administration defending its focus on criminal migrants while critics argue the policies have harmed innocent individuals. The musicians' speeches aimed to amplify calls for reform and protest against controversial ICE operations.

The details

During his acceptance speech for Best Música Urbana Album, Bad Bunny proclaimed "We're not savages, we're not animals, we're humans," sending a strong message of unity and love. Billie Eilish emphasized the importance of speaking up and protesting, while Olivia Dean, the granddaughter of an immigrant, celebrated bravery and unity. Even before the ceremony, artists wore "ICE OUT" pins as a silent protest.

  • The 2026 Grammy Awards ceremony took place on April 13, 2026.
  • Recent ICE raids in Minneapolis resulted in the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in the weeks leading up to the Grammys.

The players

Bad Bunny

A Puerto Rican rapper and singer who won the Grammy for Best Música Urbana Album.

Olivia Dean

A British singer-songwriter who is the proud granddaughter of an immigrant.

Billie Eilish

An American singer-songwriter who emphasized the importance of speaking up and protesting during her Grammys appearance.

Kehlani

A two-time R&B award winner who stated that "an artist's job is to reflect the times."

Donald Trump

The President of the United States at the time, whose administration's immigration policies and ICE enforcement operations were the focus of the artists' statements.

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What they’re saying

“We're not savages, we're not animals, we're humans.”

— Bad Bunny, Grammy Winner for Best Música Urbana Album

“An artist's job is to reflect the times.”

— Kehlani, Two-time R&B Award Winner

What’s next

The Trump administration is expected to respond to the artists' statements, potentially escalating the ongoing debate over immigration policy and enforcement. Activists and advocacy groups may also organize further protests and demonstrations in the wake of the Grammys moment.

The takeaway

The Grammys became a platform for musicians to voice their opposition to the Trump administration's immigration policies and ICE operations, reflecting the broader societal tensions around these issues. The artists' speeches aimed to amplify calls for reform and solidarity with immigrant communities, underscoring the role of the entertainment industry in shaping political discourse.