Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny used his Grammy Awards platform Sunday night to denounce U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations, declaring “ICE out” at the start of his acceptance speech.
The statement came exactly one week before he headlines the Super Bowl LX halftime show at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
The 31-year-old artist, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, won Best Música Urbana Album for “Debí Tirar Más Fotos” and later claimed Album of the Year. His opening remarks drew a standing ovation from the crowd at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
“Before I say thanks to God, I’m going to say: ICE out,” Bad Bunny told the audience “We’re not savage, we’re not animals, we’re not aliens. We are humans, and we are Americans.”
He continued speaking about hate and love before thanking God and the Recording Academy. The speech referenced ongoing immigration enforcement actions across the country, which have prompted widespread criticism from artists and activists.
Multiple celebrities wore “ICE out” pins to the ceremony, including Justin and Hailey Bieber, Billie Eilish, and Bon Iver, according to Today.
Bad Bunny’s Grammy night included three total wins. His Album of the Year victory made him the first Spanish-language artist to win the category.
WATCH: Anti-American Puerto Rican singer Bad Bunny, slated to headline next week’s Super Bowl halftime show, accepts his Grammy and immediately shouts “ICE out!”
Great job, NFL—you’ve COMPLETELY lost touch with your fan base. pic.twitter.com/x3Byc2ZqMe
— RedWave Press (@RedWave_Press) February 2, 2026
Super Bowl Halftime Show Announcement Drew Earlier Political Criticism
The NFL announced Bad Bunny as the halftime performer on Sep 28, 2025. President Donald Trump called the selection “absolutely ridiculous,” according to documented reactions. Conservative commentators questioned his performing primarily in Spanish.
Bad Bunny previously told i-D Magazine he avoided U.S. tour dates because of deportation concerns. The artist worried ICE agents could be stationed outside his concerts.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced ICE agents would be present at the Super Bowl following the halftime show controversy. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson questioned Bad Bunny’s mainstream appeal and suggested Lee Greenwood as an alternative performer.
The White House said Friday there is “no tangible plan” to send ICE agents to the game, NBC Bay Area confirmed. Bad Bunny responded to initial backlash during his Saturday Night Live appearance, telling critics they had “four months to learn” Spanish.
Other Artists Join Immigration Enforcement Criticism at Grammy Ceremony
Billie Eilish won Song of the Year for “Wildflower” and used her acceptance speech to address immigration policy. “No one is illegal on stolen land,” she said before the broadcast bleeped portions of her remarks. NBC News reported she encouraged people to keep fighting and speaking up.
“No one is illegal on stolen land. […] F*ck ICE”
— Billie Eilish accepting Song of the Year at the #GRAMMYs. pic.twitter.com/lcJRUjJ5jc
— Pop Base (@PopBase) February 2, 2026
Kehlani won two Grammys and closed her acceptance by saying an expletive followed by “ICE.” Olivia Dean, who won Best New Artist, praised immigrant families during her speech. She described herself as “a granddaughter of an immigrant” and said those people deserve celebration.
“I want to say I’m up here as a granddaughter of an immigrant. I wouldn’t be here. I’m a product of bravery, and I think those people deserve to be celebrated.”#GRAMMYs https://t.co/BcRBPJfHOo pic.twitter.com/m2jC8MiTVK
— Rolling Stone (@RollingStone) February 2, 2026
What’s certain now is that Bad Bunny won’t shy from his beliefs when 100 million viewers tune in next Sunday.
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