Puerto Rican music superstar Bad Bunny used his acceptance speech at the 2026 Grammy Awards to make a bold political statement, igniting both applause and criticism as he called for removing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from the national conversation.
The moment came on Sunday night in Los Angeles, where Bad Bunny accepted the Grammy for Best Música Urbana Album for DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS. Before thanking contributors and his fans, he paused and declared: “ICE out.” The 31-year-old insisted: “We’re not savages, we’re not animals, we’re not aliens. We are humans, and we are Americans.” The phrase drew a standing ovation from the crowd at Crypto.com Arena, signaling strong support from many in the entertainment community.
Bad Bunny went on to promote unity and compassion, urging people to reject hate and embrace love even amid sharp political divisions. “The hate gets more powerful with more hate,” he said, adding that the only force stronger than hate is love. His remarks came at a time of heightened debate in the United States over immigration enforcement and civil rights.
His speech was one of several politically charged moments during the ceremony: Billie Eilish, who won Song of the Year, wore an “ICE OUT” pin and stated, “No one is illegal on stolen land,” while other artists publicly showed support for immigrants and criticized federal policies.
The Grammy moment has resonated beyond the entertainment world. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reacted sharply, accusing Bad Bunny of unfairly demonizing law enforcement and living a life detached from the realities faced by many Americans. Critics argue that entertainers should avoid mixing political issues with awards shows, a point underscored by commentary from figures such as comedian Ricky Gervais, who urged celebrities to keep politics out of their speeches.
Supporters, however, praised Bad Bunny for using his platform to draw attention to immigrant experiences and to push back against dehumanizing language and policies. Fans and activists have highlighted his emphasis on empathy, identity, and dignity not only for immigrants but for all people perceived as marginalized or “othered” in modern political debates.
The controversy comes as Bad Bunny prepares to headline the Super Bowl LX halftime show, an appearance that has already attracted scrutiny from conservative figures opposed to his outspoken views on immigration and social justice.
