Bon Iver's Justin Vernon honors Minneapolis protesters at 2026 Grammys, says they've given him hope
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Bon Iver's Justin Vernon took a moment to acknowledge the people of Minneapolis amid the ICE crackdown that claimed two lives — Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti.
The indie folk band’s lead singer was at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards after being nominated for Best Alternative Music Album for their 2025 release 'Sable, Fable', where he shared the political and social message.
Bon Iver shows solidarity with Minneapolis at the #Grammys. pic.twitter.com/3drdx0ZJUY
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) February 1, 2026
Justin Vernon wore a whistle to honor 'the observers in Minneapolis'
Vernon, who was seen wearing a bright orange whistle, revealed on the red carpet that he was donning one “to honor the observers in Minneapolis” who “blow the whistle when they see ICE come in.” He also wore an "ICE Out" pin.
“They are there to protect their community and they’ve been doing it for weeks. It’s great to stop here and celebrate music and the power of music, but the real work is in the streets of Minneapolis right now, and I’m here to honor them,” he added.
Justin Vernon felt hope in a long time after seeing people of Minneapolis
The 44-year-old singer also addressed the fatal shooting of Pretti on January 24 by the Border Patrol agents.
He said, “A week ago, when Alex Pretti was shot and killed in the manner he was shot and killed, I was pretty sure I didn’t have the strength to come out here to LA and be a part of all this,” before noting that the people of Minneapolis inspired him to come out and speak.
“I saw them being dissident. I just want to honor them and amplify what they’re doing. My hope has been dwindling. I started to see something in the organization in Minneapolis that felt like the first sign of hope in a long time,” Vernon asserted.
