Musicians Use 2026 Grammy Awards to Protest U.S. Immigration Policies

The 2026 Grammy Awards served as an unprecedented platform for protest, as numerous global music artists took the opportunity to express their opposition to the stringent immigration policies enacted by the Trump administration. This was highlighted by a surge in deportation campaigns across various U.S. cities, notably in Minneapolis.

Protest Badges and Activist Pressure

The red carpet and events of the ceremony, held on Sunday night, were marked by both direct and indirect political messages. In the days leading up to the event, activists had called on celebrities to wear protest badges denouncing the presence of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in local communities. Several artists responded to this call, including Billie Eilish, Finneas, Carole King, Justin and Hailey Bieber, as well as Kehlani, Margo Price, and Jason Isbell.

Notable Speeches on Stage

While accepting the Song of the Year award, Billie Eilish declared, "No one is illegal on stolen land," a statement that was met with enthusiastic applause. British singer Olivia Dean, winner of the Best New Artist award, mentioned that she is the granddaughter of immigrants "who deserve appreciation and respect."

Bad Bunny Directly Critiques ICE

Latin music icon Bad Bunny directly criticized ICE during his acceptance speech for Best Urban Music Album, stating amid applause, "We are human beings, not beasts or aliens."

Context of Rising Public Anger

This wave of protest coincides with a growing public outcry in the U.S. following incidents that have sparked widespread debate, including the killing of a nurse by a Border Patrol agent and the detention of a five-year-old child, as well as the arrest of journalists and activists.

Bold Stances on Rights

Commenting on the events, Jess Morales Rocketto, executive director of the organization "Mijente," which advocates for Latino rights, noted that this year’s protests by music stars appeared "bolder" compared to previous artistic events, emphasizing that "these badges are not just accessories, but a clear message of rejection against ICE's intervention in community lives."

Fears Limiting Public Stances

Rocketto pointed out that many artists remain hesitant to express their political views due to pressures from record labels or business partners, as well as personal fears regarding their legal status or family conditions, particularly within the Latino community.