At the 2026 Golden Globe Awards, a notable political statement emerged as several celebrities donned black-and-white pins reading "BE GOOD" and "ICE OUT." This display was in tribute to Renee Good, a 37-year-old woman who was fatally shot by an ICE agent in Minneapolis during a federal immigration enforcement operation earlier in January 2026.
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americanbazaaronline.cominterlochenpublicradio.orgProminent figures such as Mark Ruffalo, Wanda Sykes, Natasha Lyonne, Jean Smart, and Ariana Grande were seen wearing these pins both on the red carpet and inside the venue.Smart notably wore the pin on her dress while accepting the award for best performance by a female actor in a musical or comedy series.
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npr.orgkbtx.comThe tragic incident that sparked this protest involved Good, who was shot while sitting in her SUV.Body-worn and bystander videos reportedly show a tense confrontation leading to the shooting, with federal officials claiming the officer acted in self-defense.
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americanbazaaronline.comCritics, however, dispute this account, arguing that the evidence does not support the claim of an imminent threat.
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americanbazaaronline.cominterlochenpublicradio.orgIn the wake of Good's death, protests erupted across the country, demanding accountability for her killing and addressing broader concerns regarding ICE's actions.Some protests have resulted in clashes with law enforcement, particularly in Minneapolis, where ICE is conducting its largest immigration enforcement operation to date.
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npr.orgkbtx.comNelini Stamp, an organizer for the anti-ICE pins, emphasized the need for civil society to speak out, stating, "We need our artists.We need our entertainers.We need the folks who reflect society." This sentiment reflects a growing trend where cultural events serve as platforms for social and political commentary.
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interlochenpublicradio.orgnews.wjct.orgThe idea for the "ICE OUT" pins originated from a late-night text exchange between Stamp and Jess Morales Rocketto, the executive director of a Latino advocacy group.They recognized the potential of high-profile cultural moments to raise awareness about social issues, continuing a tradition of activism at award shows.
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npr.orgkbtx.comThis year's Golden Globes marked the third consecutive year of activism for Morales Rocketto, who has previously mobilized Hollywood against the Trump administration's family separation policies.The organizers reached out to various celebrities and influencers, encouraging them to wear the pins and amplify the message.
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americanbazaaronline.comnews.wjct.orgThe grassroots nature of the campaign was evident, as allies distributed the pins at pre-Golden Globes parties, encouraging attendees to wear them during the ceremony.Morales Rocketto described the effort as "so grassroots," highlighting the community-driven aspect of the movement.
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interlochenpublicradio.orgkbtx.comAs the awards season progresses, the organizers have pledged to continue their campaign, ensuring that the names of Good and others affected by ICE's actions remain in public discourse.This commitment underscores the intersection of entertainment, activism, and public awareness, illustrating how cultural moments can influence national narratives and policy debates.
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americanbazaaronline.comnews.wjct.orgThe significance of such gestures at events like the Golden Globes extends beyond the immediate context, as they reflect a broader societal engagement with issues of justice and governance.While opinions on the appropriateness of political statements at entertainment events vary, the actions of these celebrities highlight the urgency of public concern regarding federal policies and accountability.
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americanbazaaronline.cominterlochenpublicradio.orgIn conclusion, the 2026 Golden Globes served not only as a celebration of artistic achievement but also as a platform for critical social commentary, demonstrating the power of celebrity influence in shaping public discourse around pressing issues like immigration and human rights.
