Bad Bunny Sparks Grammy Uproar With ICE Out Speech

Music’s biggest night, the 68th annual Grammy Awards held in Los Angeles on February 1, 2026, transformed into a stage not only for celebration but for urgent political expression. As spotlights swept across the crowd and the world’s most influential artists gathered, it was Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny who delivered the evening’s most electrifying—and controversial—moment. Accepting his award for best música urbana album, Bad Bunny stood before millions and declared, “ICE out.” Those two words, echoing through the auditorium and across television screens, instantly set the tone for a night in which the boundaries between music and activism blurred more than ever before.

Bad Bunny’s words were more than a catchphrase. They were a direct rebuke of recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations that had rocked American cities, especially Minneapolis and Los Angeles. “We’re not savages, we’re not animals, we’re not aliens – we’re humans,” he insisted, his voice steady and impassioned. He continued, “The hate gets more powerful with more hate. The only thing that’s more powerful than hate is love, so, please, we need to be different. If we fight, we have to do it with love.” According to BBC, this speech was the most explicit political statement of the night, capping off weeks of tension and nationwide protests after two Americans—Renee Good and Alex Pretti—were shot and killed by federal agents in Minneapolis. The deaths, which occurred on January 7 and later that month, prompted a Justice Department civil rights investigation and drew criticism from lawmakers across the political spectrum.

President Donald Trump, responding to mounting unrest, announced on February 1 that his administration would “de-escalate a little bit” in Minnesota, suggesting a possible reduction in federal forces if local officials cooperated. Tom Homan, the administration’s border tsar, echoed the sentiment, stating at a Minneapolis news conference that, “We are not surrendering our mission at all. We’re just doing it smarter.” Yet, for many artists and activists, these assurances rang hollow. The Grammy stage became an arena for their frustration, hope, and calls for change.

The solidarity among artists was palpable. British singer Olivia Dean, who took home the award for best new artist, used her platform to celebrate immigrant heritage. “I’m up here as the granddaughter of an immigrant,” Dean told the audience, referencing her grandmother Carmen, a member of the Windrush Generation. “I’m a product of bravery and I think those people deserve to be celebrated. We’re nothing without each other.” Her words resonated with many, especially as she joined the chorus of voices pushing back against the narrative that immigrants are a threat.

Billie Eilish, who won song of the year for “Wildflower,” added her own powerful message. Accepting her award alongside her brother Finneas, Eilish wore a pin emblazoned with “ICE Out”—a symbol that appeared on lapels throughout the venue, including those of Finneas and pop legend Carole King. “No one is illegal on stolen land,” Eilish declared, her statement met with thunderous applause. She urged, “We need to keep fighting and speaking up and protesting. Our voices really do matter, and the people matter.” Eilish’s speech, according to BBC and Los Angeles Times, was partially censored on the live broadcast, but her message was unmistakable.

SZA, who shared record of the year honors with Kendrick Lamar, struck a note of resilience: “Please don’t fall into despair. I know now is a scary time [but] we need to trust each other and trust ourselves. We’re not governed by the government, we are governed by god.” This sentiment echoed throughout the night, as artists leaned into themes of unity and mutual trust in the face of fear and uncertainty.

The activism wasn’t confined to acceptance speeches. On the red carpet, musicians, producers, and singers alike donned white pins with the words “ICE OUT” in bold black letters. Kehlani, who clinched two R&B awards, explained to reporters, “An artist’s job is to reflect the times. People all over the world can see even just when we open our mouths one time, so I think we have an opportunity to use it wisely.” It was a sentiment shared by many in attendance, the visual display of protest as powerful as any lyric sung that evening.

Gloria Estefan, the Cuban-American icon who won best tropical Latin album for “Raíces,” didn’t shy away from addressing the ongoing immigration raids either. Backstage, she voiced her concerns: “I don’t think anyone would say we want a free-for-all at the border. But what is happening is not at all criminals being arrested. These are people that have families that have contributed to this country for decades.” During her acceptance speech, Estefan reminded the nation of its founding ideals, urging everyone to “hold dear and true” to democratic principles, which she described as “the reason why everyone wants to be here.”

Country star Shaboozey, who claimed his first Grammy in the country duo performance category for “Amen” featuring Jelly Roll, brought the conversation full circle. On stage, he paid tribute to his mother, an immigrant from Nigeria who worked multiple jobs to provide for her family. “Immigrants built this country, so this is for them, for all children of immigrants,” he said, earning a standing ovation.

According to Los Angeles Times, Bad Bunny’s Grammy appearance comes just days before he is set to headline the Super Bowl halftime show on February 8, 2026—a testament to his growing influence both on and off the stage. His willingness to speak out, even as he stands at the pinnacle of his career, underscores a broader shift in the music industry: artists are increasingly using their platforms to challenge political power and amplify marginalized voices.

The Grammy Awards of 2026 will be remembered not only for its musical achievements but for the way it captured a cultural crossroads. As the lights dimmed and the crowds dispersed, the words “ICE out” lingered—a rallying cry for justice, unity, and the enduring power of art to spark change.