Artists Take a Stand Against ICE at the Grammys

Mon Feb 02 2026 13:56:05 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

This year's Grammy Awards saw artists using their platform to protest against U.S. immigration policies, with many donning protest pins to show solidarity and call for the removal of ICE from communities.

As the Grammy Awards coincided with increased scrutiny of U.S. immigration policies, artists like Kehlani, Jason Isbell, and Becky G expressed their opposition to ICE by wearing protest pins and making bold statements during acceptance speeches. The movement, fueled by recent reports of violence involving ICE, aims to raise awareness and encourage action against the agency's presence in communities. The event marked a significant moment in a growing cultural revolt advocating for immigrant rights.

The Grammy Awards 2023 transformed into a stage for artists to champion a cause. Amid heightened tensions due to the Trump administration's immigration policies, many musicians made powerful statements by wearing protest pins symbolizing their opposition to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Throughout the week leading to the Grammys, activists rallied for celebrities to showcase their solidarity, and it showed—music's biggest stars turned out in support of the growing movement. Unlike previous awards like the Golden Globes, this year witnessed a larger number of artists participating in direct protest against ICE.

Organizers highlighted the strong turnout, aligning the music industry's rebellious spirit with a call for action: These are folks who are known for six-stage shows, crazy costumes, being kind of rebellious—like that’s the music industry. It makes sense that we would see good support, said Maremoto’s Executive Director Jess Morales Rocketto.

Becky G, among others, communicated a clear message during the MusiCares Person of the Year gala, while prominent artists like Kehlani expressed their disdain for ICE in acceptance speeches. Bands such as Bon Iver acknowledged the legal observers documenting ICE actions, reinforcing the message that music is a unifying force.

The movement gained additional momentum at other significant events like the Sundance Film Festival, where celebrities displayed ICE OUT pins and vocalized their horror over recent ICE-related tragedies. These sentiments were echoed by actors Natalie Portman and Olivia Wilde, further amplifying calls for justice on the red carpet.

However, there remains a complex web of industry pressures that may silence some artists from political expression. From corporate partnerships to personal safety concerns, many face hurdles before they can join the protest openly. Morales Rocketto emphasized that support is not always straightforward, especially since many Latino artists could be vulnerable given the stigmatization surrounding immigration status.

As the Grammy Awards took center stage, it showcased the power of music as a medium for advocacy and the importance of standing together amidst societal challenges.