Celebrity voices against Trump's immigration crackdown are louder than ever. As the Grammys descended upon Los Angeles, the red carpet was filled with a sea of protesters donning "ICE OUT" pins, sending a powerful message to those in power. Among them were icons like Kehlani and Billie Eilish, who used their platforms to amplify the growing cultural revolt against mass deportation campaigns.
The wave of support for anti-ICE activism at the Grammys comes on the heels of several high-profile incidents that have sparked widespread outrage. The tragic shooting of 37-year-old nurse Alex Pretti by a Border Patrol officer, and the detention of 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos, have reignited protests across the country.
The surge in celebrity support for anti-ICE causes is attributed to music's natural affinity for rebellion and nonconformity. "It makes sense that we would see good support," said Jess Morales Rocketto, Executive Director of Maremoto. "These pins are about taking a stand and showing up to say that ICE should be out of our communities."
Several celebrities walked the red carpet sporting protest apparel, including Jason Isbell, Margo Price, Kehlani, and Rhiannon Giddens. However, not all artists were as bold in their expression. "It's kind of a crapshoot" whether entertainers will wear the pins, Rocketto explained, citing industry forces such as record companies, managers, or corporate partners that might object to their political expression.
Artists may also face personal dangers themselves, including threats from the Trump administration. Morales Rocketto pointed to reports that Bad Bunny's upcoming Super Bowl halftime performance might be affected by ICE agents being placed at the event.
As the Grammys highlighted the power of celebrity activism, questions remain about what drives artists' willingness to take a stand on such sensitive issues. While some may fear backlash from industry forces or government threats, many are simply using their platforms to amplify marginalized voices and push for change.
"Americans are out on the streets marching and demanding justice," Wilde said in an AP interview. "We're there with them... And if we can do anything with our platforms, you know, we can speak out and demand that ICE get out."
As the music industry continues to grapple with its role in amplifying marginalized voices, one thing is clear: artists will no longer be silenced on issues like immigration reform. The Grammys have become a platform for activists to make their voices heard, using music as a powerful tool for social change.
The wave of support for anti-ICE activism at the Grammys comes on the heels of several high-profile incidents that have sparked widespread outrage. The tragic shooting of 37-year-old nurse Alex Pretti by a Border Patrol officer, and the detention of 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos, have reignited protests across the country.
The surge in celebrity support for anti-ICE causes is attributed to music's natural affinity for rebellion and nonconformity. "It makes sense that we would see good support," said Jess Morales Rocketto, Executive Director of Maremoto. "These pins are about taking a stand and showing up to say that ICE should be out of our communities."
Several celebrities walked the red carpet sporting protest apparel, including Jason Isbell, Margo Price, Kehlani, and Rhiannon Giddens. However, not all artists were as bold in their expression. "It's kind of a crapshoot" whether entertainers will wear the pins, Rocketto explained, citing industry forces such as record companies, managers, or corporate partners that might object to their political expression.
Artists may also face personal dangers themselves, including threats from the Trump administration. Morales Rocketto pointed to reports that Bad Bunny's upcoming Super Bowl halftime performance might be affected by ICE agents being placed at the event.
As the Grammys highlighted the power of celebrity activism, questions remain about what drives artists' willingness to take a stand on such sensitive issues. While some may fear backlash from industry forces or government threats, many are simply using their platforms to amplify marginalized voices and push for change.
"Americans are out on the streets marching and demanding justice," Wilde said in an AP interview. "We're there with them... And if we can do anything with our platforms, you know, we can speak out and demand that ICE get out."
As the music industry continues to grapple with its role in amplifying marginalized voices, one thing is clear: artists will no longer be silenced on issues like immigration reform. The Grammys have become a platform for activists to make their voices heard, using music as a powerful tool for social change.
Like, I know some of these singers are super influential and can really make a difference with their words and actions on stage. But at the same time, it's kinda weird that they're not speaking out more often, you know? I mean, if they're already feeling pressured by their record labels or whatever, that just means ICE is winning 
. But at the same time, it's also kinda wild that some people in the industry might be afraid to show their support, 'cause of record labels or whatever 
. I mean, shouldn't we be celebratin' the fact that artists are gettin' brave and speakin' out? 
Like, what's the real motivation here?
Jason Isbell and Margo Price are all well and good, but where were they when it came to speaking out about other social justice issues? 
And what's the deal with Rhiannon Giddens not wearing a pin? Was she "too scared" or just too busy being a hero in her own way?
seems like we're seeing more of an attempt to boost album sales and get clout on social media than actual, genuine activism. Can someone please provide some concrete sources on this? 
it's about time they used their platforms to amplify marginalized voices and push for change 
we've seen some crazy stuff happen lately like alex pretti getting shot by a border patrol officer and that 5-year-old being detained 
and yeah, there are some celebs who might be hesitant to speak out because of industry forces or government threats, but those who do are showing us that we can make a difference 
from bad bunny to kehlani and billie eilish, everyone's getting involved in this conversation 
like whats next? celebs wearing "ICE OUT" pins on red carpet is becoming the new norm lololol but seriously tho, its awesome to see artists using their platforms 2 speak out against mass deportation campaigns & support marginalized communities 
i mean, who are we 2 sit back & do nothing wen we know ppl r gettin hurt by these policies 
bad bunny might even have his super bowl performance threatened by ICE agents lololol what kinda pressure is that? anywayz, its dope 2 c celebs like kehlanee & billie eilish using their voices 2 make a difference 
. The surge in celebrity support shows us that music can be a powerful tool for social change #RebellionThroughRebelYell #MusicIsAMovements. Let's keep using our voices to amplify marginalized voices and push for justice! 
anyway, i think it's awesome that artists are using their platforms to speak out against mass deportation campaigns - we need more people taking a stand and demanding justice for marginalized communities 
. I mean, it's no surprise that music's all about rebellion and self-expression, so it makes sense that artists would use their platforms to make a difference.
. And let's be real, some of these artists are literally risking their careers by speaking out against Trump - that takes a lot of guts 
it's all about using their platform to make a difference. I love that Jess Morales Rocketto is speaking out too, she makes so much sense 
and yeah, it's not just about being loud for the sake of it, it's about amplifying marginalized voices and pushing for change 
. Like, I get it, ICE OUT is a major symbol of resistance, and artists like Kehlani and Billie Eilish are using their platforms to amplify the voices of marginalized communities 
. Music has always been a powerful tool for social change, and now it's more important than ever that artists use their voices to demand justice and equality #JusticeForAll. We need more artists speaking out on issues like immigration reform, and I'm excited to see what the future holds