Full Breakdown
Bad Bunny's Grammy Speech Calls for Action Against ICE
2/2/2026, 5:49:00 AM
Bad Bunny's Political Statement at the Grammys
During the 2026 Grammy Awards held on February 1, Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny used his acceptance speech for Best Música Urbana Album to deliver a strong political message against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). As he began his speech, he declared, “Before I say thanks to God, I’m gonna say: ICE out!” This statement was met with a standing ovation from the audience at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Bad Bunny emphasized the humanity of immigrants, stating, “We’re not savage, we’re not animals, we’re not aliens. We are humans and we are Americans.” His remarks come amid heightened scrutiny of ICE's actions, particularly following the recent fatal shootings of two American citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, by federal agents in Minneapolis.
Context of the Speech
Bad Bunny's comments were made in the context of ongoing nationwide protests against ICE and the Trump administration's immigration policies. His speech resonated with many, as it echoed sentiments shared by other artists at the event, including Billie Eilish, who stated, “No one is illegal on stolen land,” and Olivia Dean, who highlighted her immigrant heritage. The phrase “ICE out” has become a rallying cry for those opposing the agency's operations, particularly in light of recent violent incidents.
Broader Implications and Reactions
The timing of Bad Bunny's speech is significant, as he is set to headline the Super Bowl LX halftime show on February 8, 2026. His selection has drawn mixed reactions, particularly from supporters of the Trump administration, who have criticized the NFL for choosing an artist they perceive as anti-American. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem has stated that ICE will have a presence at the Super Bowl, warning that attendees should be “law-abiding Americans.” Despite this backlash, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell expressed confidence in Bad Bunny's performance, emphasizing his popularity and the importance of representation.
Criticism and Opposition
Critics of Bad Bunny's statements argue that his comments conflate the actions of ICE with broader anti-immigrant sentiment, suggesting that his framing may misrepresent the agency's focus on criminal elements rather than the Latino community at large. Some commentators have pointed out that language used by officials regarding violent gang members, such as MS-13, should not be generalized to all immigrants. This perspective highlights the complexities of the immigration debate and the varied interpretations of ICE's role in enforcing U.S. laws.
Official Statements & Responses
In response to Bad Bunny's remarks, various celebrities at the Grammys wore “ICE Out” pins, reinforcing the message of solidarity with immigrants. Trevor Noah, the host of the event, also made light of the political climate, joking about the absence of Nicki Minaj due to her support for Trump. The collective actions of these artists reflect a growing trend within the entertainment industry to address social and political issues through their platforms.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Before I say thanks to God, I’m going to say: ICE out,” — Bad Bunny, Musician
- “We’re not savage, we’re not animals, we’re not aliens. We are humans and we are Americans.” — Bad Bunny, Musician
- “no one is illegal on stolen land.” — Billie Eilish, Musician
- “I’m a product of bravery, and I think that those people deserve to be celebrated,” — Olivia Dean, Musician
Bad Bunny's Grammy speech serves as a powerful reminder of the intersection between art and activism, particularly in the context of immigration reform and the ongoing debates surrounding ICE's operations in the United States.
