Grammy Artists Stage Silent Protest Against Immigration Enforcement
R&B sensation Kehlani revealed she had to exercise restraint while making a bold political statement at Sunday's Grammy Awards in Los Angeles. The "After Hours" artist was among several attendees who denounced U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) by wearing pins that read "ICE Out," as national outrage continues over two high-profile deaths involving agency agents.
A Toned-Down Message with Maximum Impact
Kehlani, who collected two trophies before the main ceremony, confessed to The Hollywood Reporter that she initially considered a more provocative version of the message. "I really wanted to say 'fuck ICE,' but I think they needed some couth on the carpet," the singer admitted, explaining her decision to opt for the more diplomatic "ICE Out" pin instead.
Despite moderating her red carpet accessory, Kehlani didn't hold back during her acceptance speech. "Together, we're stronger in numbers to speak out against all the injustice going on in the world right now," she declared to the audience. "So instead of letting it be just a couple of people here and there, I hope everybody is inspired to come together as a community of artists and speak out against what's going on."
The artist concluded her remarks with the unfiltered version of her message: "I'm going to leave it at that and say, fuck ICE."
Growing Backlash Against Immigration Policies
The protest comes amid escalating backlash against ICE and President Donald Trump's aggressive deportation operations. This follows the recent deaths of Minneapolis residents Renée Good and Alex Pretti, which have sparked nationwide controversy.
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and other Trump administration officials have accused Good of attempting to ram agents with her car in what they termed an act of "domestic terrorism." However, available footage and eyewitness accounts appear to contradict the government's version of events.
Meanwhile, President Trump labeled Pretti an "insurrectionist" and "agitator" on Truth Social, despite video evidence showing Pretti attempting to assist two women on the ground before being shot multiple times by two agents.
A Collective Artistic Statement
Kehlani was far from alone in her protest. Singer-songwriter Amy Allen, who won Best Songwriter of the Year, Non-Classical, expressed similar sentiments to The Hollywood Reporter. "Anybody that has an opportunity to spread the word and get the message out that obviously change needs to happen in this country in so many ways," Allen stated. "I hope I see a lot of other ones out there too."
The protest extended across musical genres, with country stars Jason Isbell and Margo Price, along with Broadway performer Jordan Tyson, all photographed wearing the distinctive "ICE Out" pins. Isbell, a frequent critic of President Trump, joined his colleagues in this visible demonstration of dissent.
Kehlani reflected on the collective power of artists making political statements, noting, "We're too powerful a group to all be in the room at the same time and not make some kind of statement in our country." She described wearing the protest pin as "a no-brainer" given the current political climate and ongoing controversies surrounding immigration enforcement practices.
