The Grammy Awards in Los Angeles saw several winners use their acceptance speeches and red carpet appearances to draw attention to ongoing US immigration enforcement operations. Performers and prize recipients addressed recent federal actions and deadly incidents in Minneapolis that have sparked national concern.
Multiple artists — including Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny, British singer Olivia Dean, country performer Shaboozey and Cuban-American icon Gloria Estefan — spoke about immigration enforcement after receiving awards. Their remarks focused on recent actions by federal agents and the wider human impact of those operations.
After winning for best música urbana album, Bad Bunny made a direct call from the stage: “Before I say thanks to God, I’m going to say ICE out.” He continued:
“We’re not savages, we’re not animals, we’re not aliens – we’re humans,”
and added:
“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.”
The political statements came amid nationwide reaction to immigration enforcement activity, and specifically to two fatal shootings in Minneapolis involving federal agents. The deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti have provoked public outcry and prompted scrutiny from lawmakers across party lines.
On Friday, the US Justice Department opened a civil rights investigation into Alex Pretti’s death. Pretti, a 37-year-old nurse, was the second Minneapolis resident shot and killed by federal immigration officials since they arrived in the state; Renee Good, the first, was killed by an ICE agent on 7 January.
Before the ceremony began, many attendees displayed white pins bearing the words “ICE OUT.” The pins and spoken messages reflected a broader effort by artists to use the event’s visibility to raise awareness about immigration enforcement and its consequences.
Performers and presenters at the Grammys framed their remarks as part of a responsibility to reflect current events. Kehlani captured this sentiment on the red carpet: “An artist’s job is to reflect the times.”
While the ceremony celebrated musical achievements, the presence of political commentary underscored how cultural moments can intersect with urgent social and legal issues. Winners and nominees used acceptance speeches and interviews to call attention to the human effects of policy and enforcement decisions that are drawing national attention.
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