Full Breakdown
Kehlani's Bold Anti-ICE Statement at the 2026 Grammys
2/2/2026, 1:45:00 AM
Kehlani's Grammy Night Activism
At the 2026 Grammy Awards held in Los Angeles, singer-songwriter Kehlani made headlines with a strong anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) statement. During her red carpet interview with The Hollywood Reporter, she declared, “I wanted to say f–k ICE,” emphasizing the need for artists to use their platforms for social justice. Kehlani, who won two Grammys that night for Best R&B Song and Best R&B Performance for her track "Folded," wore an "ICE OUT" pin on her gown, further highlighting her stance against the agency.
Acceptance Speech Highlights
In her acceptance speeches, Kehlani called on her fellow artists to unite against systemic injustices. She stated, “Together, we’re stronger in numbers to speak against all the injustice going on in the world right now,” and concluded with a powerful reiteration of her anti-ICE sentiment: “F–k ICE.” This moment marked a significant milestone for Kehlani, as it was her first Grammy win after being nominated seven times previously.
Context of the Protest
Kehlani's remarks come in the wake of recent incidents involving ICE that have sparked public outrage, including the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minnesota. Pretti, an ICU nurse, was shot while attempting to film officers during an altercation. The Department of Justice is currently investigating these incidents, and the agents involved have been placed on administrative leave. This context has fueled a broader condemnation of ICE, with other celebrities like Olivia Rodrigo, Pedro Pascal, and Katy Perry also voicing their concerns.
Broader Celebrity Support
Kehlani is not alone in her activism; numerous celebrities have joined the call against ICE. Pedro Pascal has been particularly vocal, referring to the actions of immigration officers as “unspeakable s–t after unspeakable s–t.” Additionally, Pascal supported the “ICE OUT — Nationwide Shutdown” initiative, which encouraged people to refrain from work, shopping, or attending school on January 30. This collective outcry from the artistic community underscores a growing movement advocating for immigration reform and justice.
Criticism of Celebrity Activism
Despite the support for Kehlani's message, there has been criticism regarding celebrity activism. Comedian Bill Maher, for instance, expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of wearing protest pins, suggesting that such gestures may lack substance. He remarked, “We’re just here for show business today,” implying that the real change requires more than symbolic gestures.
Conclusion
Kehlani's statements at the 2026 Grammys reflect a significant moment of activism within the entertainment industry, as artists leverage their visibility to address pressing social issues. Her call for unity among artists to confront injustices resonates amid ongoing scrutiny of ICE and its actions, highlighting the role of celebrity influence in shaping public discourse on immigration and human rights.
