A Thunderous Standing Ovation Greets the Call (Image Credits: Upload.wikimedia.org)
Los Angeles – Bad Bunny captured the spotlight at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards by weaving a sharp critique of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement into his acceptance speech for Best Música Urbana Album.[1][2]
A Thunderous Standing Ovation Greets the Call
The Puerto Rican artist, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, ascended the stage at Crypto.com Arena after securing the award for his album Debí Tirar Más Fotos. He wasted no time in delivering his message. “Before I say thanks to God, I’m going to say, ICE out,” Bad Bunny declared, his voice steady amid the flashing lights and cheering crowd.[3][4]
The audience responded with a prolonged standing ovation, a rare and fervent show of support that underscored the speech’s resonance. Bad Bunny continued, elaborating on themes of humanity and unity. “We’re not savages, we’re not animals, we’re not aliens. We are humans, and we are Americans,” he stated. He emphasized love over hate, urging, “The only thing more powerful than hate is love… If we fight, we have to do it with love.”[5][6]
Immigration Crackdown Fuels the Moment
The remarks arrived against a backdrop of heightened national tension. The Trump administration’s aggressive immigration enforcement had sparked widespread protests in recent weeks. Cities like Minneapolis, Los Angeles, and Chicago witnessed clashes, including tragic shootings in Minneapolis that claimed the lives of two American citizens.[7]
Bad Bunny’s words echoed calls for ICE to withdraw from major urban centers. The timing amplified their impact, as the Grammys coincided with ongoing demonstrations outside the venue. Observers noted the speech as a pivotal cultural intervention in the debate.[1]
Stars Rally Behind the Message
Bad Bunny was not alone in his stance. Several prominent figures wore “ICE OUT” pins during the ceremony, signaling broad solidarity. Billie Eilish and her brother Finneas O’Connell used their Song of the Year acceptance to condemn the policies, with Eilish declaring, “No one is illegal on stolen land.”[8][1]
Others joining the visible support included:
- Hailey Bieber
- Justin Bieber
- Kehlani
- Justin Vernon of Bon Iver
- Samara Joy
- Jack Antonoff
Olivia Dean, accepting Best New Artist, also highlighted her immigrant heritage in her remarks. Host Trevor Noah referenced Bad Bunny’s upcoming Super Bowl halftime performance, adding levity while nodding to the surrounding buzz.[2]
Activism Rooted in Personal Experience
The artist has long voiced concerns over immigration enforcement. Last year, he skipped U.S. tour dates for his album rollout, citing fears of ICE presence at concerts. In an i-D magazine interview, he described worries about agents targeting attendees.[9]
Now, as headliner for Super Bowl LX next week, Bad Bunny faces renewed scrutiny. President Trump criticized the booking, calling it a source of division, while Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem warned of ICE operations at the event. The Grammy moment positioned the singer as a leading voice in the discourse.[9]
Bad Bunny’s intervention at the Grammys marked a fusion of music and activism that reverberated far beyond the arena. It highlighted how artists leverage high-profile platforms to address pressing societal issues.
- Bad Bunny won Best Música Urbana Album for Debí Tirar Más Fotos and opened his speech with “ICE out.”
- His full message stressed humanity, love, and opposition to dehumanizing labels amid ICE raids.
- Numerous stars showed support via pins and speeches, amplifying the anti-ICE sentiment.
What do you think of Bad Bunny’s bold stand? Tell us in the comments.
