February 13, 2026/Midnight
Erie, PA. – The 68th Grammy Awards are held on the evening of Feb. 1 in Los Angeles. Alongside memorable performances and major wins, several acceptance speeches draw attention for referencing ICE and political issues, prompting mixed reactions from the public and government.
The 2026 Grammy Awards take place amid immigration policies in the U.S have become fiercely controversial, as enforcement sweeps by the ICE expanded across multiple states with the aim of deporting undocumented migrants. Just weeks before the Grammys, federal immigration agents shot and killed two citizens in Minneapolis, triggering strong criticism and large-scale protests across the country.
At the awards ceremony, Bad Bunny wins Best Música Urbana Album. Debí Tirar Más Fotos beats out several notable competitors, including Lady Gaga’s Mayhem and Kendrick Lamar’s GNX, becoming the first Spanish-language album to win one of the Grammy Awards’ most prestigious categories.
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“Before I say thanks to God, I’m gonna say: ICE out!” Bad Bunny begins his speech on the stage, “We’re not savage, we’re not animals, we’re not aliens. We are humans and we are Americans.”
Billie Eilish, the winner of Song of the Year for her track “Wildflower,” sparks major controversy with a blunt statement: “No one is illegal on stolen land.” The remark quickly draws widespread attention and prompts sharply divided reactions, as she directly addresses the issue of immigration and the history of land dispossession in the U.S.
Trevor Noah, a comedian, and the host of the 2026 Grammy Awards, also draws significant attention throughout the night by delivering jokes that are humorous yet heavily laced with political satire. While he does not directly mention ICE, Noah takes aim at President Donald Trump with a biting joke just before announcing Song of the Year.
“That is a Grammy that every artist wants almost as much as Trump wants Greenland, which makes sense … because Epstein’s island is gone, he needs a new one to hang out with Bill Clinton.” He says after congratulating Billie Eilish.
In response to criticism from artists, government officials and related agencies pushed back publicly. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem criticized the speeches as being rooted in a lack of understanding, emphasizing the role of federal agents: “Their families live there, and those are their neighbors they are protecting by getting dangerous criminals off the streets. They are going after murderers and rapists, people trafficking drugs, and protecting America.”
In addition, President Donald Trump threatened to sue comedian Trevor Noah. In a post on Truth Social, the president claimed that Noah had made false statements about his alleged involvement in the Epstein case and described this year’s Grammy Awards as “virtually unwatchable.” He ended the post with a direct message to Noah: “Get ready Noah, I’m going to have some fun with you! President DJT.”
These responses highlight the escalating tensions between the political sphere and the entertainment industry in the aftermath of the 2026 Grammy Awards. Among the public, some have praised and supported artists for bravely raising human rights concerns. Others, however, argue that artists live protected lives and do not understand what ICE does and how the agency works to enforce the law and protect the U.S.
The Grammy Awards are not only a celebration of the year’s most notable musical achievements but also have served as a platform for artists to express their views on contemporary social issues. The differing responses from artists, government officials, and the public reflect contrasting views on immigration, law enforcement, and the role of celebrities. Despite sparking divided opinions, these debates show that music and popular culture continue to have a powerful influence in prompting discussion about issues shaping society today.