Bad Bunny delivered one of the most talked-about moments at the 2026 Grammy Awards after using his acceptance speech to speak out against U.S. immigration enforcement, earning a massive standing ovation inside the arena.
As he stepped on stage to accept his award, the global superstar opened his speech with the words “ICE out,” immediately drawing attention from the audience. ICE refers to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a federal agency responsible for immigration enforcement and deportations in the United States. In recent years, the agency has faced widespread criticism over aggressive raids, detentions, and treatment of immigrants.
Bad Bunny went on to deliver an emotional message defending immigrants and calling for unity rather than hate. He stated that immigrants are not criminals or outsiders, emphasizing that they are human beings and Americans. His words struck a chord with the audience, prompting loud applause and a standing ovation.
The artist also spoke about how hatred continues to grow when it is met with more hatred, stressing that love is the only force powerful enough to overcome it. He encouraged people to choose compassion, understanding, and humanity, especially during tense times.
Bad Bunny’s message did not stand alone at the ceremony. Several other artists and attendees also made quiet but clear statements in support of immigrants. Some celebrities were seen wearing “ICE OUT” pins on the red carpet and during the show, including Billie Eilish, Kehlani, and Justin and Hailey Bieber. Their actions helped reinforce the message that Bad Bunny delivered on stage.
The moment quickly spread across social media, with fans praising Bad Bunny for using one of music’s biggest stages to address a sensitive social issue. Supporters described the speech as brave, emotional, and necessary, while critics debated the role of politics in entertainment.
Regardless of opinion, Bad Bunny’s speech became one of the defining moments of the 2026 Grammys, showing how music and culture continue to intersect with social issues and real-world conversations.