Los Angeles: The US entertainment awards season has intersected sharply with politics this year, as mounting protests against the Trump administration’s mass deportation campaign spilled onto the red carpet at the Grammy Awards. With immigration enforcement actions intensifying in cities such as Minneapolis, artists were once again confronted with whether — and how — to use their public platforms to push back.
The issue gained renewed visibility on Sunday night as musicians arrived at music’s biggest awards ceremony, following a week-long effort by activists urging celebrities to wear protest pins calling for US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to leave local communities. Organisers said support at the Grammys appeared stronger than at last month’s Golden Globes, reflecting growing public anger over recent enforcement actions.
The backlash has intensified after a Border Patrol officer shot and killed 37-year-old nurse Alex Pretti, federal agents detained a five-year-old child, Liam Conejo Ramos, and journalist Don Lemon was arrested. These incidents, activists say, have galvanised wider cultural resistance to immigration crackdowns.
“This industry is built on expression and rebellion,” said Jess Morales Rocketto, executive director of Latino advocacy group Maremoto. “Music has always pushed boundaries, so it makes sense that artists here are more willing to show support. These pins aren’t just about a red carpet moment. They’re about standing up and saying ICE should be out of our communities.”
Several high-profile musicians made their stance visible during the ceremony. Joni Mitchell wore an “ICE OUT” pin while accepting the award for best historical album, while Kehlani directly criticised ICE in her acceptance speech for best R&B performance. Artists including Jason Isbell, Margo Price, Rhiannon Giddens and Kehlani were also seen wearing protest apparel on the red carpet.
Earlier in the week, Mexican American singer Becky G delivered a pointed message by displaying anti-ICE slogans on her nails at the MusiCares Person of the Year gala. Bon Iver frontman Justin Vernon said he wore a whistle to honour legal observers documenting federal agents’ actions on the streets.
“Music exists to heal and bring people together,” Vernon told The Associated Press. “But the real work is being done by those observers on the ground. We just want to acknowledge them.”
The movement has extended beyond the Grammys. At the Sundance Film Festival last week, actors including Natalie Portman, Olivia Wilde and Zoey Deutch appeared with “ICE OUT” pins during red carpet appearances. Wilde said she was deeply disturbed by what she described as a growing normalisation of violence linked to immigration enforcement, while Portman became emotional speaking about the issue at the premiere of her latest film.
Despite the growing momentum, organisers acknowledge that wearing protest symbols remains a risk for artists. Concerns range from network sensitivities and corporate sponsorships to personal safety. The Grammys are broadcast by CBS, now controlled by David Ellison, whose father, billionaire Larry Ellison, is a supporter of President Donald Trump.
“There are countless reasons people might choose not to do it,” Rocketto said, pointing to pressures from fashion houses, record labels and management teams. She also warned that even wealthy and famous Latino artists are not immune to fear, noting that immigration status and family vulnerability remain real concerns.
As awards season continues, activists say the cultural pushback against immigration enforcement is unlikely to fade, with artists increasingly using high-visibility moments to reflect public anger playing out on the streets.
