A major music awards ceremony became a platform for a powerful political statement Sunday night as global superstar Bad Bunny used his acceptance speech to deliver a pointed critique of U.S. immigration enforcement.
Upon winning the Grammy for Best Música Urbana Album, the artist opened his remarks not with traditional thanks, but with a direct message: “Before I say thanks to God, I’m gonna say ICE out.” The declaration was met with immediate and sustained applause from the audience at the Crypto.com Arena.
The Puerto Rican singer, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, framed his comments around a call for basic human dignity. “We’re not savages, we’re not animals, we’re not aliens,” he stated firmly. “We are humans, and we are Americans.”
His speech then pivoted to a broader message of resilience and compassion in politically divisive times. Acknowledging the difficulty of resisting hatred, he noted, “the only thing that is more powerful than hate is love.” He urged a different approach to conflict, emphasizing, “If we fight, we have to do it with love.”
The moment underscores the artist’s longstanding and vocal opposition to certain immigration policies. In the past, he has altered tour plans over concerns that enforcement actions could target his fanbase. His upcoming headline performance at Super Bowl LX has already drawn criticism from some political commentators, highlighting the ongoing cultural divide his work engages.
Bad Bunny concluded his Grammy remarks by tying his message back to his community, saying his efforts are “for my people, my culture and our history,” before offering thanks. The speech earned him a standing ovation, marking one of the most politically charged moments of the night.