When the Music Paused: Immigration Takes the Grammy Stage
At first, the night unfolded like any other major awards ceremony—designer gowns, standing ovations, and emotional thank-you speeches set against a backdrop of spectacle. But as the cameras lingered and winners took the microphone,
it became clear that something else was unfolding at the Grammys. Subtle symbols and carefully chosen words signaled a growing tension that had little to do with chart rankings and everything to do with what many artists say is happening beyond the stage.
Held Sunday night in Los Angeles, the Grammy Awards honored musical achievement across genres. Yet this year’s ceremony also became a forum for protest, as numerous artists used their visibility to criticize immigration enforcement actions they linked to the Trump administration—often referring to what they described as a “private ICE army.”
Throughout the evening, pins and clothing carried unmistakable messages. “ICE OUT” appeared repeatedly, worn by artists including Billie Eilish, Finneas O’Connell, Carole King, and Justin and Hailey Bieber—figures who have not always been outspoken on political issues. On the red carpet, musicians such as Jason Isbell, Margo Price, Kehlani, and Rhiannon Giddens also made their positions visible through protest-themed attire.
Several artists referenced recent immigration operations in U.S. cities. Raids in Minneapolis and Saint Paul were cited in connection with reports of two deaths, while Portland was mentioned for ongoing protests that have, at times, escalated into confrontations involving tear gas. These events formed the backdrop for much of the evening’s commentary.
Bon Iver frontman Justin Vernon drew attention for wearing a whistle pin, which he explained represents community observers in Minneapolis who alert neighborhoods when ICE agents arrive.
Speaking to Variety, Vernon emphasized that while award ceremonies celebrate creativity, meaningful action is taking place in communities directly affected by enforcement policies.
Onstage speeches reinforced the message. Accepting Song of the Year for Wildflower, Billie Eilish expressed gratitude for the honor while adding, “No one is illegal on stolen land,” acknowledging both her uncertainty and hope amid the current political climate.
Best New Artist winner Olivia Dean referenced her own family history, noting that she is the granddaughter of an immigrant and asserting that immigrants “deserve to be celebrated.”
Bad Bunny, who won Best Música Urbana Album, opened his speech with a firm “ICE out” before rejecting language he described as dehumanizing. “We’re not savage. We’re not animals. We’re not aliens,” he said. “We are humans, and we are Americans.”
Kehlani, accepting her first Grammy for Best R&B Performance, went further—explicitly condemning ICE operations and calling on fellow artists to speak collectively against what she described as a nationwide crisis.
Conclusion
This year’s Grammy Awards underscored how deeply politics and popular culture have become intertwined. For many artists, the night was not only about recognition, but about responsibility—using one of the industry’s largest stages to draw attention to issues they believe demand urgency.
Whether praised or criticized, their words ensured that immigration enforcement, and the people most affected by it, remained part of the national conversation long after the final performance ended.