Kehlani uses Grammys speech to protest against ICE: 'We’re stronger in numbers to speak out'

CRYPTO ARENA, LOS ANGELES: Kehlani shared her honest opinion about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) while celebrating her victory at the 2026 Grammys.

She made sure to speak her mind at the podium as she accepted her award for her track 'Folded', which won in two categories, Best R&B Performance and Best R&B Song. 

The 30-year-old addressed the tense situation in the country and criticized ICE over the unrest in Minnesota following the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti.

Kehlani stresses the need to speak out against ICE's actions

On Sunday night, February 1, the R&B singer celebrated her wins at the 2026 Grammys and also took a moment to speak about ICE. After her song 'Folded' won two awards, Kehlani used her second speech to address the topic while wearing an “ICE OUT” pin.

"I want to make sure that I say: everybody in this room, and everyone who will be in this room later, is so powerful. Together, we’re stronger in numbers to speak out against all the injustice going on in the world right now. So instead of letting it be just a couple of people here and there," she said.

“I hope that everybody is inspired to join together as a community of artists, and speak out against what’s going on... f**k ICE,” Kehlani urged, making her statement clear during the acceptance moment.  

This wasn’t the first time Kehlani used her platform to oppose ICE’s actions across the country. She had spoken more about her views on the red carpet. 

“I really wanted to say f**k ICE,” she said. “But I think they needed some couth on the carpet or something. I'm a little couthless ruthless. We're too powerful of a group to all be in the room at the same time and not make some kind of statement in our country.”

Anti-ICE protests all over the country after fatal shootings

Kehlani had a standout night at the 2026 Grammys. The singer joined a growing group of artists speaking out against ICE’s actions in states like Minnesota and California. Other musicians, including Pusha T and Tyler, The Creator, have also used red carpet events and award shows to voice support for the protests and criticize ICE.

The widespread protests began after federal agents shot and killed 37-year-old mother Good and later ICU nurse Pretti during ICE operations in Minneapolis. These incidents led citizens to hold rallies and protests against ICE, not only in Minnesota but also in other parts of the country.

Demonstrations spread to states like California and New York as people across the country criticized ICE’s enforcement tactics. Many protesters called for changes and showed their opposition to how ICE has been operating.