Los Angeles, Feb 2 (.) Bad Bunny received a standing ovation at the 2026 Grammy Awards on Sunday as he used his acceptance speech to address the treatment of immigrants in the US.
The 31-year-old star won Best Musica Urbana Album for DeBI TiRAR MaS FOToS. As he walked on stage at Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena, the crowd was already on its feet. But it was his first words, directly addressing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), that truly moved the audience.
“Before I say thanks to God, I’m gonna say ICE out. We’re not savages, we’re not animals, we’re not aliens, we are humans, and we are Americans,” Bunny declared, prompting a loud standing ovation.
He acknowledged the challenges of anger and division in today’s world, saying, “I know it’s tough not to hate these days… sometimes we get contaminado, I don’t know how to say that in English.” Bunny emphasized that “the only thing more powerful than hate is love,” urging people to respond to conflict with compassion.
“We have to be different. If we fight, we have to do it with love. We don’t hate them. We love our people, we love our family, and that’s the way to do it, with love. Don’t forget that, please. Thank you. Thank you, God, and thank you to the Grammys,” he concluded.
Bunny’s remarks come after he chose not to bring his Debi Tirar Mas Fotos World Tour to the US, citing increased immigration crackdowns under the Trump administration. He has also faced criticism from former President Donald Trump and some Republicans after being named headliner for the Super Bowl LX Halftime Show on February 8.
Since President Trump returned to office in January 2025, immigration actions have intensified, with ICE detentions reaching record levels, sparking debate among leaders, civil rights groups, and communities nationwide, according to People.
Minneapolis has seen heightened activity, including the federal “Operation Metro Surge,” which led to protests after the deaths of two residents during clashes with federal agents.
Bunny said of his Grammy win, “This show is for my people, my culture, and our history.”
This year, Bad Bunny earned six Grammy nominations. Prior to the live show, he also won Best Global Music Performance for “EoO.” The 2026 Grammys are airing live on CBS and streaming on Paramount.
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