At the 2026 Grammy Awards, some of the world’s most prominent music artists took a decisive and public stance against recent U.S. immigration policies and the widespread deportation campaigns currently underway. The protest was particularly resonant given the ongoing strict measures affecting immigrant communities in Minneapolis and other major cities.
This year’s demonstrations were visible not only during the live broadcast of the awards ceremony but also on the red carpet, pre-show events, and various social gatherings. Multiple community organisations distributed pins throughout the week to ensure that artists could carry and amplify messages with social impact.
Several high-profile performers visibly supported the cause. Billie Eilish, Finneas, and Carole King wore pins signalling opposition to ICE, while Justin and Hailey Bieber—who rarely speak publicly on political issues—also joined in by wearing the symbolic pins. Billie Eilish opened her “Song of the Year” acceptance speech with a statement that resonated deeply with advocates: “No one is illegal on stolen land.” British soul-pop artist Olivia Dean, honoured as Best New Artist, said, “I am the granddaughter of immigrants. Our community deserves to be celebrated.”
Bad Bunny, accepting the award for Best Música Urbana Album, urged for compassion over hatred, saying, “We are not savages or animals; we are humans, we are Americans. Hate only strengthens hate. The most powerful thing is love. If we fight, it must be through love.”
Other red carpet appearances included Jason Isbell, Margo Price, Kehlani, and Rhiannon Giddens, all wearing protest pins. Justin Vernon of Bon Iver, nominated for Best Alternative Music Album, wore a whistle to symbolically recognise legal observers and their oversight role.
| Artist / Celebrity | Protest Message / Statement | Notable Appearance / Context |
|---|---|---|
| Billie Eilish | “No one is illegal on stolen land” | Song of the Year acceptance speech |
| Finneas | Anti-ICE pin | On stage |
| Carole King | Anti-ICE pin | On stage |
| Justin Bieber | Anti-ICE pin | Red carpet |
| Hailey Bieber | Anti-ICE pin | Red carpet |
| Olivia Dean | Celebration of immigrants | Best New Artist |
| Bad Bunny | “ICE OUT” | Best Música Urbana Album acceptance speech |
Beyond the music world, actors Natalie Portman, Olivia Wilde, and Joey King also wore “ICE OUT” pins at both the Grammys and the Sundance Film Festival. Wilde commented on the movement, saying, “We are treating killings on the streets as legal or normal. This is deeply troubling.”
Jes Morales-Roceto, a Maremo community organiser, highlighted the challenges artists face when protesting, including hesitation from managers, record labels, or fashion partners. He noted that large-scale platforms like the Grammys allow performers to act more boldly, increasing the visibility and impact of their protest.
As a result, this year’s Grammy Awards became more than a celebration of music—it served as a significant platform for influential artists to use their visibility and artistry to send a powerful social message opposing ICE actions and advocating for immigrant rights in the United States.