At the Grammy Awards on Sunday, music’s top stars openly criticized the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids, with Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny leading the charge.
Tensions have risen following the deployment of heavily armed and masked ICE agents in several US cities, a move that has sparked widespread concern, especially after federal agents killed two US citizens in Minneapolis last month. Many Americans fear the operations unfairly target Spanish-speaking individuals and people of color.
“Before I say thanks to God, I’m gonna say ‘ICE out’,” Bad Bunny declared to loud applause in Los Angeles, shortly before he is scheduled to headline the Super Bowl halftime show.
“We’re not savages, we’re not animals, we’re not aliens; we are humans and we are Americans,” the reggaeton star added after receiving the Grammy for Best Musica Urbana Album.
Bad Bunny was far from alone in condemning ICE’s actions. Several stars on the red carpet showcased their solidarity by wearing “ICE out” buttons, including Justin and Hailey Bieber, legendary singer Joni Mitchell, Jordan Tyson, and actress-singer Helen J. Shen.
Other musicians also spoke out during the awards ceremony:
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Gloria Estefan – Winning the Grammy for Best Tropical Latin Album, she told AFP, “I’m scared, I’m very worried. These are people with families who have contributed to this country for decades. Hundreds of children are in detention centers. It’s inhumane. I don’t recognize my country at this moment.”
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Olivia Dean – After earning the Best New Artist award, the British singer said, “I’m a granddaughter of an immigrant… I’m a product of bravery, and those people deserve to be celebrated.”
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Shaboozey – The breakout country star, born in Virginia to Nigerian parents, honored immigrants while accepting the Grammy for Best Country Duo/Group Performance with Jelly Roll. “Immigrants built this country… Thank you for bringing your culture, your music, your stories, and your traditions here. You give America color,” he said.
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Billie Eilish – Winner of Song of the Year for “Wildflower,” the singer remarked, “No one is illegal on stolen land. We must keep fighting, speaking up, and protesting. Our voices matter, and the people matter.”
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SZA – Sharing Record of the Year honors with Kendrick Lamar, the R&B singer said, “It’s incredibly dystopian that we’re celebrating accolades while people are being snatched up and shot in the street. It feels bizarre… rage and hopelessness are everywhere. But we must not lose morale, because change becomes impossible if we do.”
The outspoken remarks from music’s elite highlighted growing concern over immigration enforcement in the US and the human impact of federal operations, sparking conversations on fairness, humanity, and the role of artists in social activism.
