Bad Bunny used his Grammy victory to demand “ICE out” and turn music’s biggest night into a platform for compassion and inclusion

1 February 2026

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At the 2026 Grammy Awards in Los Angeles Bad Bunny turned a triumphant musical moment into a forceful appeal for humanity and dignity, using his acceptance speech to call for an end to the work of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and to remind the world of the shared dignity of every person. The Puerto Rican superstar accepted the award for Best Música Urbana Album for his 2025 record Debí Tirar Más Fotos before a televised audience that stretched across continents, and before offering his traditional thanks he paused to deliver a message that many described in real time as the most powerful moment of the night. When he stepped to the microphone and said “ICE out” the crowd erupted in cheers and a standing ovation that echoed well beyond Crypto.com Arena, where the ceremony took place on February 1.

Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, did not immediately speak about his album or his career when he began speaking, choosing instead to focus on what has become a defining theme of his public life: the treatment of immigrants in the United States. He stated clearly that people targeted by immigration enforcement are neither animals nor aliens but human beings and Americans, words that resonated in a moment of national debate over federal immigration policy and enforcement actions that have sparked protests across the country. His declaration made headlines quickly, not only because of his Grammy win but because he used the spotlight to give voice to concerns shared by millions of people.

“We’re not savage, we’re not animals, we’re not aliens,” Bad Bunny said, pausing as the audience responded with applause and affirmation. “We are humans and we are Americans,” he continued, blending calls for unity with a stark critique of how political rhetoric and enforcement tactics can dehumanize entire communities. He then pivoted to a message about love and resistance, saying that while hatred can grow stronger with more hate, love remains more powerful, urging his listeners to choose compassion even in the face of division.

The speech came at a moment of heightened tension. Bad Bunny is scheduled to serve as the headliner of the Super Bowl LX halftime show, making him one of the most visible musical figures of the year. His selection as halftime headliner has stirred controversy in some political corners, with critics decrying his Spanish-language music and outspoken stances on immigration, LGBTQ+ rights and social justice. Former President Donald Trump and other conservative figures have criticized his role, with Trump even announcing a boycott of the Super Bowl in protest. Yet the NFL has maintained its support for Bad Bunny and emphasized the importance of diversity and global representation at its marquee event.

Bad Bunny’s remarks also reflected broader conversations occurring both within and outside the music industry. At the same Grammys, other artists such as Billie Eilish and Olivia Dean offered their own statements of solidarity with immigrant communities and critiques of enforcement policies, highlighting the widespread concern among performers about issues of inclusion and human rights. Eilish, who won Song of the Year for Wildflower, urged continued protest and spoken against slogans that reduce people to stereotypes, while other stars spoke about their own family histories and identities in ways that reinforced the night’s united tone of advocacy.

For many viewers and Grammy attendees the moment was more than a political declaration; it was a call to action. Standing ovations and social-media buzz underscored how Bad Bunny’s words resonated with those who see entertainment platforms not just as stages for artistic celebration but as spaces where cultural and political discourse can unfold. His message was clear: music and community are intertwined, and artists can play a role in shaping how society understands itself and treats its most vulnerable members.

Critics of Bad Bunny’s stance have argued that awards shows should remain apolitical, but supporters countered that personal experiences and cultural identity inform artistry and that silence in the face of suffering is not neutral. Bad Bunny’s legacy as an artist who weaves social commentary into his music and public persona predates the Grammys, but his decision to foreground immigration in one of the most widely broadcast segments of his career amplified the conversation to millions of homes and devices worldwide.

Beyond this singular speech, Bad Bunny’s influence continues to grow. Debí Tirar Más Fotos stands as one of his most personal albums, blending themes of love, loss, identity and pride in his Puerto Rican heritage. The album topped charts globally and reinforced his status as a leading voice in Latin music and contemporary culture. His Grammy win was also historic, marking significant achievements in representation for Spanish-language music on a world stage that has traditionally centered English-language content.

Ultimately Bad Bunny’s “ICE out” speech at the 2026 Grammys did more than spark headlines; it shifted a conversation. At a moment when political polarization often feels stark and unyielding, his appeal to love, unity and recognition of shared humanity resonated with fans and critics alike, reminding audiences that music can be both a celebration and a platform for meaningful dialogue about the world we live in.