Music's biggest night, the 2026 Grammy Awards, became a stage for artists to voice their opposition to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Several prominent musicians used their platform to protest ICE policies, joining a growing chorus of voices against the agency's actions.

Artists like Kehlani, Joni Mitchell, and Justin Vernon of Bon Iver, were seen wearing "ICE Out" and "Be Good" pins. These pins served as a visual statement against ICE policies, particularly following the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. The "Be Good" pins specifically paid tribute to Good, a 37-year-old mother who was fatally shot by an ICE agent in Minneapolis on January 7. Other musicians spotted with the pins included Justin Bieber, Finneas, Carole King, Amy Allen, Margo Price, Jordan Tyson, Brian Vu, Samara Joy, Jim-E Stack, and Helen Shen.

Kehlani, who won her first Grammy awards for Best R&B Performance and Best R&B Song for "Folded", didn't hold back during her acceptance speech. She exclaimed, "F ICE," urging fellow artists to speak out against injustice. Earlier, on the red carpet, Kehlani told The Hollywood Reporter, "I really wanted to say 'F ICE' but I think they needed some couth on the carpet...We're too powerful of a group to all be in the room at the same time and not make some kind of statement in our country".

Bad Bunny, who will be headlining the Super Bowl halftime show, also used his Grammy win to criticize ICE. Upon accepting the award for best música urbana album for “DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS,” he declared, "ICE out!". He continued, "We're not savage, we're not animals, we're not aliens, we are humans and we are Americans,". He pleaded for acceptance and love, stating that "the only thing that is more powerful than hate is love".

Billie Eilish, who won Song of the Year for "Wildflower," also used her speech to attack the immigration raids. Moreover, Olivia Dean, after receiving the best new artist award, shared that she is the "granddaughter of an immigrant" and that those people "deserve to be celebrated".

Bon Iver's Justin Vernon wore a whistle in tribute to legal observers documenting ICE agents' actions. He told the Associated Press that music exists "to heal and to bring people together," emphasizing the importance of those observers on the ground in Minneapolis.

The protests at the Grammys follow increased scrutiny of ICE, particularly after the killing of Renee Nicole Good. The agency has also faced criticism for using trending "TikTok sounds" in what some see as "enforcement propaganda". This has led to increased tension and legal battles.

The activism extends beyond award shows. Bruce Springsteen released a song titled “Streets of Minneapolis,” which he dedicated to the people of Minneapolis and the memory of Good and Pretti. Bad Bunny has previously refused to play shows in the U.S. out of concern that ICE agents would conduct raids at his concerts.

The actions of these artists highlight a growing trend of musicians using their voices and platforms to speak out against social and political issues. The 2026 Grammys served as a powerful demonstration of solidarity and resistance within the music industry.