At the 68th Annual Grammy Awards held at Crypto.com Arena on Sunday, numerous Hollywood celebrities made a bold statement by wearing ‘ICE Out’ pins to protest the recent immigration enforcement by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Minneapolis. Artists such as Justin Bieber, Billie Eilish, and Bad Bunny prominently displayed these pins during the event, turning the prestigious music ceremony into a platform for political expression and advocacy for immigrant rights.
Artists Across Genres Show Solidarity with Immigration Protest
The small black and white ‘ICE Out’ pins quickly became one of the most photographed accessories on the red carpet, worn by stars from different musical backgrounds. The pins symbolized opposition to what many viewed as harsh ICE enforcement tactics, and the event amplified these artists’ calls for change. This demonstration of unity was visible not only among pop icons but also among R&B stars, alternative musicians, and legendary artists.
Key Performers Share Their Voices on the Red Carpet and on Stage
R&B singer Kehlani took the opportunity on the red carpet to explain her motivation behind wearing the pin, emphasizing the collective power of artists. She said,
I really wanted to say f*** ICE. 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.
Kehlani’s words underscored the responsibility many felt to use their visibility for advocacy.
Billie Eilish, who won the prestigious Song of the Year award, echoed this stance from the stage by urging people to continue speaking out against injustice. Similarly, Bad Bunny, following his win for Best Musica Urbana Album, addressed the crowd to condemn hateful rhetoric. He stated,
We’re not savage, we’re not animals, we’re not aliens. We are humans and we are Americans….The hate gets more powerful with more hate. The only thing more powerful than hate is love. So, please, we need to be different. If we fight, we have to do it with love,
highlighting the need for compassion amidst conflict.
Meanwhile, Justin Vernon, the lead singer of Bon Iver and nominee for Best Alternative Music Album, incorporated a whistle into his ensemble as a symbol of solidarity. He remarked,
the real work are those observers on the ground in Minneapolis. We just want to shout them out.
This drew attention to the activists and community members directly affected by ICE enforcement measures.
Additional Support from Esteemed Musicians and Public Figures
Legendary artist Joni Mitchell also wore the ‘ICE Out’ pin when accepting her award for Best Historical Album, reinforcing the broader appeal of this protest across generations of musicians. The visual statement of the pin was strengthened by the presence of celebrities such as Justin Bieber and Hailey Bieber, who coordinated their all-black outfits with the pins, signaling unified support for immigrant rights.
Other notable figures showing their endorsement on the red carpet included Brandi Carlile, Mikey Freedom Hart, Kamal Wilson, DIXSON, Samara Joy, Jason Isbell, and Margo Price. Their collective participation emphasized the widespread solidarity within the music community against recent ICE actions in Minneapolis.
Impact and Future of the ICE Out Movement in Entertainment
This highly visible protest at the Grammy Awards brought significant public attention to the controversy surrounding ICE enforcement and its human impact. By using one of the most-watched entertainment events to voice opposition, artists effectively amplified calls for change and inspired audiences to stay engaged on immigration issues.
Given the intensity and collective nature of this demonstration, the ‘ICE Out’ pins may serve as a lasting symbol of artistic resistance and advocacy. The involvement of influential musicians across genres suggests that Hollywood celebrities will continue leveraging their platforms to support social justice causes, potentially influencing future public discourse and policy debate surrounding immigration enforcement.
