Celebrities spark change at the 68th Grammy Awards, donning "ICE Out" pins to protest immigration enforcement—an unforgettable night of music and activism.
- February 2, 2026
AceShowbiz - Music's biggest night, the 68th Annual Grammy Awards, became a platform for powerful social commentary as a host of celebrities donned "ICE Out" pins to protest ongoing immigration enforcement operations. Arriving at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on February 1, 2026, Justin Bieber and Hailey Bieber were among the first to make a visible statement, drawing attention to a pressing national issue.
The symbolic accessory quickly became a focal point on the red carpet. Alongside Justin Bieber, whose album Swag was nominated for Album of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Album, Billie Eilish and her brother Finneas also prominently displayed the pins. Both artists have been vocal critics of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency's activities in recent weeks, amplifying their stance on this high-profile stage.
The protest extended beyond the red carpet into the pre-show ceremony. R&B sensation Kehlani, accepting the award for Best R&B Performance for her track "Folded," boldly declared "F–k ICE" during her speech, further solidifying the evening's activist tone. Other notable figures like music legend Jimmy Jam and acclaimed singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile were also seen sporting the impactful "ICE Out" pins, signaling widespread concern among the music community.
These celebrity statements come amid heightened political tensions surrounding ICE operations across the United States under the Donald Trump administration. Outrage reached a critical point in January 2026 after two civilians were tragically shot and killed by immigration enforcement officers in Minneapolis. While the administration maintained the shootings were acts of self-defense, many eyewitness accounts and footage reportedly contradict this narrative, fueling public protests and calls for accountability.
The message resonated throughout the main ceremony as well. When Latin music superstar Bad Bunny accepted the prize for Best Música Urbana Album for his work Debí Tirar Más Fotos, he used his moment in the spotlight to deliver a poignant message. "ICE out … We’re not savages, we’re not animals, we’re not aliens, we are humans and we are Americans," he stated, drawing a strong reaction from the audience and viewers.
The collective actions of these influential artists transformed the 2026 Grammys into more than just an awards show; it became a powerful platform for social advocacy. By wearing the "ICE Out" pins and speaking out, stars like Justin Bieber, Billie Eilish, and Bad Bunny ensured that the urgent issue of immigration enforcement remained front and center, prompting reflection and discussion across the nation.