Bad Bunny Makes Grammy History as Stars Protest Against ICE
The 68th Annual Grammy Awards held in Los Angeles on February 1, 2026, was unforgettable not only for its celebration of music, but also for its powerful political statements. The night belonged to Bad Bunny, the Puerto Rican superstar who captured global attention by making Grammy history and using his platform to protest against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
In a ceremony that typically focuses on glitz, glamour, and musical achievement, this year’s Grammys became a stage for social commentary and activism. Artists from across genres spoke out, championing immigrant rights and challenging policies they see as unjust.
A Historic Win for Bad Bunny
Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, made history at the Grammys this year in a way that few expected. His critically acclaimed album Debí Tirar Más Fotos won Album of the Year, a first for a Spanish-language album at the Grammys a milestone moment not just for him, but for Latin music globally.
This win was monumental in several ways:
- First Spanish-language album to receive the top Grammy prize.
- It marked a celebration of diversity and international influence in music’s biggest award show.
- It wasn’t just a musical victory — it was symbolic of cultural shifts in the industry.
As Bad Bunny’s name was announced, the crowd’s reaction was intense and emotional a mix of admiration for his musical achievement and anticipation of what he would say next.
Turning Celebration into Protest
What truly made the moment historic wasn’t just the award itself it was how Bad Bunny used his acceptance speech.
Before giving his traditional thank-yous, he opened with a bold message: “ICE out.” These seemingly simple words were a direct declaration against the actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, an agency that has been at the center of controversial immigration enforcement policies and crackdowns.
He elaborated with a deeply human message:
“We’re not savages, we’re not animals, we’re not aliens. We are humans, and we are Americans.”
He acknowledged the incredibly charged atmosphere around immigration issues in the U.S., including recent protests and debates over federal policy. Instead of just condemning a system, he focused on a message of unity, humanity, and love, urging people to confront injustice not with hatred but with compassion.
This moment from a globally televised awards show instantly became one of the most talked-about speeches of the night.
Solidarity From the Stage
Bad Bunny was not alone. Throughout the Grammy Awards evening, multiple artists used their acceptance speeches or red carpet appearances to speak out against ICE or highlight immigrant experiences.
Here were some of the standout moments:
Billie Eilish
When Billie Eilish won Song of the Year for her hit Wildflower, she didn’t shy away from addressing immigration issues. She proclaimed during her speech:
“No one is illegal on stolen land.” She also emphasized the need to protest and speak up for justice, using strong language to make her point clear.
Olivia Dean
British singer Olivia Dean, who won Best New Artist, reflected on her own background and heritage, acknowledging the role of immigrants in shaping her identity. Her heartfelt comments highlighted how personal family histories intersect with broader political conversations.
Other Stars Showing Support
Artists, including Kehlani, Gloria Estefan, and others attending the ceremony wore “ICE OUT” pins on the red carpet, a symbolic show of solidarity with protest movements against immigration enforcement.
The breadth of voices from multiple generations and musical genres helped transform what could have been a single artist’s moment into a collective statement about human rights, dignity, and equality.
The Wider Context: Why This Moment Matters
Bad Bunny’s statements didn’t happen in isolation. They reflect a broader cultural moment where entertainers are more openly engaging with political issues and using their platforms to raise awareness about social justice causes.
Across the U.S. and beyond, debates over immigration policy have intensified in recent months, with protests, legislative discussions, and public outcry growing louder. These debates touch on fundamental questions of human dignity, national identity, and how societies treat their most vulnerable members.
The Grammy stage one of the most watched and celebrated platforms in the world, became an unusual yet powerful forum for such discourse.
Themes of Unity and Humanity
Empathy, unity, and our commonality as humans continued to be present in all the political speeches made that night.
Bad Bunny pointed out that responding to fear and anger with hate is simple, but that love is the only thing more powerful than hate; therefore, everyone should be willing to use love to oppose social injustice.
The shift to compassion towards others, even as part of protest, spoke volumes and illustrated how artists in the music and culture industry can carry the message of their art into other areas of life beyond what they do for entertainment.
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