The 68th annual Grammy Awards became a platform for celebrity pushback against the Trump administration's immigration crackdown, coinciding with a significant cultural moment in the ongoing debate over immigration policy.As artists walked the red carpet, many chose to wear protest pins denouncing the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) presence in cities, highlighting the growing dissent within the entertainment industry against current immigration practices.
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abc7.comwlwt.comActivists had mobilized in the days leading up to the event, encouraging celebrities to publicly express their opposition to immigration enforcement policies.The turnout of artists supporting this cause at the Grammys was notably stronger compared to the previous awards season, such as the Golden Globes.
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washingtontimes.comThis increase in visibility follows a series of tragic incidents that have intensified public outrage, including the recent shooting of a nurse, Alex Pretti, by a Border Patrol officer, and the detention of a young child, Liam Conejo Ramos.
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abc7.comwashingtontimes.comJess Morales Rocketto, Executive Director of the advocacy group Maremoto, noted that the Grammy attendees are often more willing to take risks than their Hollywood counterparts."These are folks who are known for six-stage shows, crazy costumes, being kind of rebellious, punk rock - like that's the music industry," she stated.
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washingtontimes.comAmong the artists who showcased their support was Kehlani, who not only sported an "ICE OUT" pin but also made a direct statement against ICE during her acceptance speech for Best R&B Performance.Other notable figures included Mexican American singer Becky G, who made her stance clear through her nail art at the MusiCares gala, and Joni Mitchell, who wore an "ICE OUT" pin while accepting her award for Best Historical Album.
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abc7.comdailynews.comThe event also highlighted the broader cultural discussions occurring within the industry, as artists like Justin Vernon of Bon Iver emphasized the importance of community support and activism.He wore a whistle to honor legal observers documenting federal actions on the streets, stating, "I think there's a reason that music exists and it's to heal and to bring people together.".
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abc7.comdailynews.comThe momentum seen at the Grammys mirrors similar sentiments expressed at the Sundance Film Festival, where several celebrities, including Natalie Portman and Olivia Wilde, donned "ICE OUT" pins during their appearances.These stars articulated their horror over escalating violence associated with ICE actions, with Wilde noting the difficulty of celebrating achievements while violence persists on the streets.
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washingtontimes.comdailynews.comDespite the growing movement, Rocketto acknowledged the challenges artists face when expressing political views.Industry pressures from record labels, managers, and corporate sponsors can deter public displays of dissent."There's like a million reasons for people not to do it," she explained, suggesting that even fashion choices can be influenced by corporate interests.
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abc7.comdailynews.comMoreover, the personal risks associated with vocalizing opposition to government policies were underscored by Morales Rocketto.She pointed out that the Trump administration had threatened to deploy ICE agents at high-profile events, such as the Super Bowl halftime show featuring Bad Bunny, which may intimidate artists from openly supporting the movement.
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washingtontimes.comdailynews.comIn conclusion, the Grammy Awards served as a significant moment for artists to align themselves with the growing cultural resistance against immigration enforcement.With their platforms, musicians and entertainers continue to advocate for communities affected by these policies, illustrating the powerful intersection of art and activism.
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abc7.comwlwt.comAP Film Writer Lindsey Bahr and AP journalist Brooke Lefferts contributed reporting from Park City, Utah.
