The 2026 Grammy Awards saw several prominent musicians use their platform to publicly denounce Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), following recent violence and killings of civilians by federal agents in the U.S. including the deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Nicole Good in Minnesota.
Artists Take a Stand
Several artists, including Billie Eilish, Justin Bieber, and Bad Bunny, openly criticized ICE during the awards ceremony. Bad Bunny, accepting the award for Best Música Urbana Album, stated, “We’re not savages… we are American.” Billie Eilish echoed similar sentiments, asserting, “No one is illegal on stolen land.” Kehlani urged supporters to fight against injustice, while Olivia Dean celebrated her immigrant heritage, acknowledging her identity as the granddaughter of an immigrant.
Why This Matters
The artists’ statements come amid growing awareness of ICE’s controversial actions, particularly among younger generations who are increasingly exposed to these events through social media. The timing is significant; public scrutiny of ICE has intensified following high-profile incidents of violence and accusations of systematic abuse. This isn’t just a political statement: it reflects a cultural shift where celebrities are using their influence to advocate for marginalized communities.
Impact on Teens and Tweens
Many teenagers and younger children are actively consuming information about ICE’s actions, including graphic videos and images circulating online. Exposure to this content can evoke strong emotional responses, as explained by clinical psychologist Cynthia Lubin Langtiw, who notes that “the level of trauma is even more destabilizing” when the harm is inflicted by one’s own government.
What Parents Should Do
Parents should be prepared to engage in difficult conversations with their children about ICE’s actions and the broader issues of immigration and human rights. Validate their feelings, avoid dismissing their concerns, and help them process complex emotions in a healthy way. Encourage critical thinking about the information they encounter online and discuss the importance of empathy and activism.
“Your government is supposed to care for you, and yet they’re the ones who are inflicting the harm,” Langtiw notes. This disconnect can cause significant psychological distress in young people.
The celebrities’ stance at the Grammys underscores the growing pressure on ICE to reform its practices and address public concerns about violence and accountability. For parents, it’s a reminder to stay informed, engage with their children, and advocate for a more just society.
