Billie Eilish criticises ICE in Grammy speech, saying "no one is illegal on stolen land"

Eilish used her Grammy speech to oppose ICE and call for protest and solidarity

Billie Eilish spoke out against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement during the 2026 Grammy Awards on Sunday night. The singer-songwriter addressed the issue while accepting the prize for Song of the Year for Wildflower alongside her brother and collaborator Finneas O’Connell at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

While thanking her fans and team for the award, Eilish said her thoughts were focused on wider events. “And as grateful as I feel, I honestly don't feel like I need to say anything but that no one is illegal on stolen land,” she told the audience.

The performer urged those watching to continue challenging immigration policies and to support affected communities. “It's just really hard to know what to say and what to do right now, and I just feel really hopeful in this room, and I feel like we just need to keep fighting and speaking up and protesting, and our voices really do matter, and the people matter,” she continued.

Eilish ended her remarks with a brief statement, adding, “And f**k ICE, that's all I'm gonna say. Sorry!”

In recent months ICE agents have carried out raids in several American cities as part of President Donald Trump’s pledge to crack down on illegal immigration. Reports have highlighted Minneapolis, Minnesota, where tension has risen following the fatal shootings of Alex Pretti by U.S. Border Patrol officers and Renée Good by an ICE agent last month.

Other artists at the ceremony also addressed immigration. After receiving Best New Artist, Olivia Dean said, “I'm up here as the granddaughter of an immigrant, I'm a product of bravery, and I think those people deserve to be celebrated. We're nothing without each other.”

Shaboozey echoed similar themes when he and Jelly Roll accepted Best Country Duo/Group Performance. “Immigrants built this country. Literally. Actually,” he said, adding, “Thank you for bringing your culture, your music, your stories, and your traditions here. You give America colour.”