Billie Eilish spoke out against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at the 2026 Grammy Awards on Sunday night.
Taking to the stage at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, the singer-songwriter and her brother/collaborator, Finneas O’Connell, accepted the prize for Song of the Year for Wildflower.
While Billie thanked her fans and team for the prestigious award, she admitted that her thoughts were elsewhere.
“And as grateful as I feel, I honestly don’t feel like I need to say anything but that no one is illegal on stolen land,” she began.
The Ocean Eyes star went on to urge people to campaign for the removal of ICE agents amid rising violence.
“It’s just really hard to know what to say and what to do right now, and I just feel really hopeful in this room, and I feel like we just need to keep fighting and speaking up and protesting, and our voices really do matter, and the people matter,” the 24-year-old continued.
To conclude, Billie simply declared: “And f**k ICE, that’s all I’m gonna say. Sorry!”
In recent months, ICE agents have undertaken raids in cities across America as part of President Donald Trump’s pledge to crack down on illegal immigration.
But much of the media focus has been on Minneapolis, Minnesota, with tension mounting following the fatal shootings of Alex Pretti by U.S. Border Patrol officers and Renée Good by an ICE agent last month.
And the Birds of a Feather hitmaker wasn’t the only artist to address ICE at the Grammy Awards.
After being presented the award for Best New Artist, Olivia Dean advocated for immigrants amid her speech.
“I’m up here as the granddaughter of an immigrant, I’m a product of bravery, and I think those people deserve to be celebrated. We’re nothing without each other,” the Man I Need singer stated.
Additionally, Shaboozey reflected on his mother’s journey in an emotional speech after he and Jelly Roll won Best Country Duo/Group Performance for their single, Amen.
“Immigrants built this country. Literally. Actually,” he mused. “So, this is for them. For all children of immigrants, this is also for those who came to this country in search of better opportunity to be part of a nation that promises freedom for all but equal opportunity to everyone willing to work for it. Thank you for bringing your culture, your music, your stories, and your traditions here. You give America colour.”
