GRAMMYS: BAD BUNNY, BILLIE EILISH, SZA OTHERS CONDEMN US IMMIGRATION RAIDS
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Agency Report
Music’s biggest stars on Sunday used the global stage of the Grammy Awards to denounce the ongoing immigration raids across the United States, with Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny leading the charge.
Anger over the operations of President Donald Trump’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency dominated conversations at the ceremony in Los Angeles, as artists criticised what they described as aggressive, indiscriminate and inhumane enforcement tactics.
Tensions have risen nationwide following the killing of two US citizens by federal agents in Minneapolis last month, an incident that has intensified fears among communities who believe the raids are sweeping up people based on language or skin colour.
“Before I say thanks to God, I’m gonna say ‘ICE out’,” Bad Bunny declared to loud applause as he accepted the Grammy for Best Música Urbana Album, just days before he is set to headline the Super Bowl halftime show.
“We’re not savages, we’re not animals, we’re not aliens; we are humans and we are Americans,” the singer added.
Several celebrities echoed the message both on stage and on the red carpet, where “ICE out” buttons were seen alongside high-fashion outfits by Valentino, Chanel and Saint Laurent. Those wearing the pins included Justin and Hailey Bieber, Joni Mitchell, Jordan Tyson, and Helen J. Shen.
Backstage, Cuban-American icon Gloria Estefan, who won Best Tropical Latin Album, expressed deep concern over the situation.
“I’m scared, I’m very worried,” she said. “These are people that have families, that have contributed to this country for decades. There are hundreds of children in detention centres. It’s inhumane. I don’t recognise my country at this moment.”
British singer Olivia Dean, winner of Best New Artist, highlighted her immigrant roots while accepting her award.
“I’m up here as a granddaughter of an immigrant. I’m a product of bravery, and I think those people deserve to be celebrated,” she said.
Country music breakout star Shaboozey, born in Virginia to Nigerian parents, also dedicated his Grammy win to immigrants.
“Immigrants built this country,” he said. “Thank you for bringing your culture, your music, your stories and your traditions here. You give America colour.”
US singer Billie Eilish, whose song Wildflower won Song of the Year, said the moment felt deeply conflicted.
“No one is illegal on stolen land,” she said, urging continued resistance and advocacy. “Our voices really do matter.”
R&B star SZA, who shared Record of the Year honours with Kendrick Lamar, described the atmosphere as surreal.
“It’s incredibly dystopian that we’re dressed up celebrating accolades while people are getting snatched up and shot in the street,” she said. “So many of us don’t know how to feel right now besides rage and hopelessness.”
Despite the anger and fear, SZA urged resilience, warning against despair. “When you lose morale, change becomes impossible,” she said.
The outspoken moments underscored how the Grammy Awards have once again become a platform for political and social protest, as artists leveraged their visibility to challenge policies they say threaten human dignity and civil rights.
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