Bad Bunny Uses Grammy Platform to Condemn ICE, Advocate for Immigration Reform
A powerful statement on immigration policy reverberated through the 68th Annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, February 1, 2026, as Bad Bunny used his acceptance speech to denounce U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and call for an end to the ongoing immigration crackdown. The Puerto Rican artist’s impassioned plea came amidst nationwide protests against ICE,including demonstrations in Los Angeles,where the awards ceremony was held.
Bad Bunny accepted the Grammy Award for best Música Urbana Album for his critically acclaimed record, “debí Tirar Más fotos,” before delivering his unexpected message. “Before I say thanks to God, I’m going to say ICE out,” he declared, prompting a standing ovation and widespread applause from the audience. He continued, powerfully asserting, “we’re not savage, we’re not animals, we’re not aliens. We are humans and we are Americans.”
The artist’s words resonated deeply with many in attendance and beyond.He expanded on his message, acknowledging the difficulty of navigating divisive times. “I want to say to the people, I know it’s tough to know, not to hate on these days,” Bad Bunny stated.”And I was thinking, sometimes we get ‘contaminado,’ I don’t know how to say that in english. The hate gets more powerful with more hate.The only thing that’s more powerful than hate is love.” He urged a shift towards compassion, concluding, “So please we need to be different. if we fight, we have to do it with love. We don’t hate them. We love our people.We love our family and there’s a way to do it, with love, and don’t forget that.”
This public stance is not new for the 31-year-old artist, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio.He has previously been vocal about immigration issues, and notably chose not to include any U.S.dates on his recent world tour, citing fears of ICE raids in an interview with i-D magazine.
Other artists also used the Grammy platform to express solidarity. Olivia Dean, who won best New Artist, shared her personal connection to the issue, stating, “I’m up here as a granddaughter of an immigrant. I wouldn’t be here… I am a product of bravery and I think that those people deserve to be celebrated.” Billie Eilish and Jack Antonoff were seen wearing “ICE OUT” pins,visually demonstrating their support. Eilish further amplified the message during her own acceptance speech,declaring,”No one is illegal on stolen land,” and adding a direct condemnation of ICE.
Bad Bunny’s Grammy speech adds to a growing chorus of voices within the entertainment industry advocating for immigration reform. With four Grammy Awards and 12 latin Grammys already under his belt,his influence extends far beyond music,and his upcoming headline performance at the 2026 Apple Music Super Bowl halftime show will undoubtedly provide another opportunity to reach a massive audience with his message of love and inclusivity.
[Image of Bad Bunny accepting the Best Musica Urbana Album award for “Debí Tirar Más Fotos” onstage during the 68th Grammy Awards at Crypto.com Arena on Feb. 1, 2026, in Los Angeles, California. Johnny Nunez/Getty Images]
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