Entertainment awards season coincides with the Trump administration’s mass deportation campaign in Minneapolis, forcing artists to decide whether to join the growing cultural revolt against immigration crackdowns.
These questions came to the fore again Sunday night when music’s biggest stars walked the red carpet at the Grammys. Activists protesting the presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in cities pressured celebrities to wear pins, worked with their teams to spread the message, and broadcast them at several events leading up to the ceremony.
Organizers saw a stronger showing of support Sunday than last month’s Golden Globes. The public reaction has grown since a Border Patrol officer shot and killed 37-year-old nurse Alex Pretty and federal agents took 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos into custody. The recent arrest of journalist Don Lemon further increased the outrage.
Plus, as one organizer said, the Grammys attract a less risk-taking crowd than the Hollywood shows.
“These are people who are known for six-stage shows, crazy costumes, being rebellious, punk rock — like that’s the music industry. And so, I think it makes sense that we’d have good support,” said Jess Morales Rocketto, executive director of Maremoto.
“These pins are more than a red carpet moment. It’s about people taking a stand and doing whatever they can to say that ICE needs to be out of our communities.” Earlier in the week, Mexican American singer Becky G had an explicit message to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement written on her nails at the MusiCares Person of the Year ceremony.
Artists who wore protest costumes on the Grammys red carpet included Jason Isbell, Margo Price, Kehlani and Rhiannon Giddens. Joni Mitchell wore a pin reading “ICE OUT” while accepting the award for Best Historical Album, and Kehlani cursed ICE in her acceptance speech.
Vernon, whose band Bon Iver is up for best alternative music album, said he wore a whistle to honor the legal observers who are on the streets documenting the actions of federal agents.
“I think there’s a reason music exists and that’s to heal and bring people together,” he said. The Associated Press. “But the real work is with the observers on the ground in Minneapolis. We just want to give them a shout out.”
At the Sundance Film Festival last week, several celebrities wore “ICE OUT” pins during their red carpet appearances, including Natalie Portman, Olivia Wilde and Zoey Deutch, who also wore “BE GOOD” pins, referencing Renee Goode, who was killed by an ICE officer last month.
Wilde told the AP that she was “horrified by this series of murders that we are somehow legitimizing and normalizing.” “It’s really hard to be here and celebrate something so happy, beautiful and positive when we know what’s happening in the streets,” she said.
“Americans are marching in the streets and demanding justice, and we’re with them. And if we can do anything with our platforms, you know, we can speak out and demand that ICE be out.” Portman got emotional when asked about her “ICE OUT” pin at the premiere of her new movie. gallerist.
“I’m so lucky to be here in a joyful, creative community celebrating a film that we’re really proud of. But it’s impossible to ignore what ICE is doing for our country. And though, I’m so inspired by all of the wonderful, wonderful Americans who are coming out and supporting each other and being present in communities. It’s beautiful,” the actress said, crying.
As far as the Grammys are concerned, Rocketto, a community organizer who founded the Latino advocacy group Maremoto, said it’s “kind of a bummer” about which entertainers actually wear the pin.
He described the many industrial forces working against artists’ political expression. The show is broadcast by CBS, most recently taken over by David Ellison, son of billionaire Larry Ellison, a supporter of President Donald Trump. Objections may come from record companies, managers or corporate partners.
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“Maybe the design house that did their fashion deal for the red carpet didn’t want them to literally rip holes in the dress,” she said. “People have a million reasons not to do it.” Artists themselves may also face personal dangers. Morales Rocketto pointed to the Trump administration’s threats to include ICE agents in the upcoming Super Bowl halftime performance of Bad Bunny, who in his view is one of the “most unstoppable” entertainers.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if we see some Latino artists wearing these,” he said of the pins. “But the reality is that just because Latino artists are rich and famous, it doesn’t mean they are exempt from the lack of protection that permeates many Latinos and Latino families. They may themselves be undocumented or may only have a green card or may have mixed-status families.”
published – February 02, 2026 02:02 PM IST