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The current awards season has unfolded alongside a significant deportation drive by the Trump administration in Minneapolis, prompting many artists to ponder their stance on the intensifying cultural backlash against immigration enforcement.
This debate was thrust into the spotlight again on Sunday as the music industry’s brightest stars graced the Grammys’ red carpet. Throughout the week, activists urged celebrities to wear pins condemning the presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in cities. They collaborated with publicists to amplify the message, ensuring these symbols were visible at various events leading up to the awards night.
Sunday showed a marked increase in solidarity compared to the previous month’s Golden Globes. Public outrage has intensified following the fatal shooting of 37-year-old nurse Alex Pretti by a Border Patrol officer and the detention of 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos by federal agents. The recent arrest of journalist Don Lemon further fueled the public’s indignation.
An organizer highlighted that the Grammys often attract attendees who are less averse to taking risks compared to their Hollywood counterparts.
“The music industry is known for its extravagant shows, bold fashion, and rebellious spirit,” Jess Morales Rocketto, Executive Director of Maremoto, remarked. “It’s not surprising to see strong support here. These pins symbolize more than just a moment on the red carpet; they represent individuals standing up to say ICE has no place in our communities.”
Earlier in the week, Mexican American singer Becky G had an explicit message for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on the nails she wore to the MusiCares Person of the Year gala.
Protest pins on the red carpet
Jason Isbell, Margo Price, Kehlani and Rhiannon Giddens were among the artists wearing protest apparel on the Grammys red carpet. Kehlani cursed ICE in her acceptance speech for best R&B performance.
Vernon, whose band Bon Iver is up for best alternative music album, said he wore a whistle to honor the legal observers who are documenting federal agents’ actions on the streets.
“I think there’s a reason that music exists and it’s to heal and to bring people together,” he told The Associated Press. “But the real work are those observers on the on the ground in Minneapolis. We just want to want to shout them out.”
At the Sundance Film Festival last week, several celebrities wore pins saying “ICE OUT” during their red carpet appearances, including Natalie Portman, Olivia Wilde and Zoey Deutch, who also wore a “BE GOOD” pin, referencing Renee Good, who was killed by an ICE officer last month.
Wilde told the AP that she was “horrified by this string of murders that we are somehow legitimizing and normalizing.”
“It’s really difficult to be here and to be celebrating something so joyous and beautiful and positive when we know what’s happening on the streets,” she added. “Americans are out on the streets marching and demanding justice, and 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.”
Portman got emotional when asked about her “ICE OUT” pin at the premiere of her new film, “The Gallerist.”
“I’m so lucky to be here in a joyful, creative community celebrating a movie we’re really proud of. But it’s impossible to ignore what ICE is doing to our country. And I’m very inspired, though, by all of the amazing, amazing Americans who are coming out and supporting each other and being there in communities. It’s beautiful,” the actor said as she teared up.
Reasons celebrities may not speak out
As far as the Grammys go, Rocketto, the community organizer who founded the Latino advocacy group Maremoto, said it’s “kind of a crapshoot” as to which entertainers actually wear the pins.
She described a range of industry forces working against artists’ political expression. Objections could come from record companies, managers or corporate partners.
“Maybe the design house that did their fashion deal for the red carpet didn’t want them to literally poke holes in the dress,” she said. “There’s like a million reasons for people not to do it.”
Artists might also face personal dangers themselves. Morales Rocketto pointed to the Trump administration’s threats to place ICE agents at the upcoming Super Bowl halftime performance by Bad Bunny, “one of the most invincible” entertainers in her view.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if we see some Latino artists wearing them,” she said of the pins. “But the reality is that just because Latino artists are rich and famous, doesn’t mean that they are exempt from the lack of safety that permeates so many Latinos and Latino families. They themselves may be undocumented or only have a green card or have mixed status families.”
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AP Film Writer Lindsey Bahr and AP journalist Brooke Lefferts contributed reporting from Park City, Utah.
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