‘Very ironic and sad’: Karoline Leavitt slams celebrities over anti-ICE comments at Grammys 2026
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt has responded to the anti-ICE remarks made at the Grammy Awards 2026 by celebrities with a scathing remark on their residences located within ‘gated communities’ and pointed out the ‘millions of dollars’ they spend on protecting themselves. On Tuesday, the 28-year-old addressed the reporters and called out all the celebrities who made any statements against the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement for ‘trying to demonise law enforcement’.
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“It’s very ironic and frankly sad to see celebrities who live in gated communities, with private security, with millions of dollars to spend protecting themselves trying to just demonize law enforcement, public servants, who work for the United States government to enforce the nation’s laws,” she said after being questioned about her stance on the night filled with ‘ICE OUT’ pins and anti-ICE statements. Leavitt also called out these celebrities which include big names like Billie Eilish and Bad Bunny for not having the same type of uproar when the previous administration allowed people to enter the country illegally. “And you didn’t hear this same type of uproar from celebrities in Hollywood when the previous administration allowed an invasion of our nation’s borders and allowed innocent women and girls like Jocelyn Nungaray and Laken Riley to be killed and murdered at the hands of people who should have never been in our country in the first place,” she added.
Anti-ICE sentiments at the Grammys 2026
Grammy Awards, one of the most coveted honours of the music industry took place on February 1, 2026 and were attended by the who’s and who’s of the musical world. As much as the night was about songs and artists, it also became a stage for numerous celebrities voicing out their concerns against ICE activities in the country and calling out the Trump administration for its agency. Bad Bunny who became the first artist in 67 years to win ‘Album of the Year’ for an entirely Spanish creation preceded his speech with an ‘ICE out’ bit. “Before I say thanks to God, I’m going to say ICE out… The only thing that’s more powerful than hate is love. So please, we need 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 there’s a way to do it, with love, and don’t forget that,” he said. Additionally, Billie Eilish who grabbed ‘Song of the Year’ for her track ‘Wildflower’ also addressed the agency’s acts saying: “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.”‘Man I Need’ singer Olivia Dean won her first Grammy in 2026 for ‘Best New Artist’ and has Jamaican-Guyanese roots also gave an emotional speech. “I’m up here as a granddaughter of an immigrant. I’m a product of bravery, and I think those people deserve to be celebrated,” she said.Other celebrities who did not make speeches donned ‘ICE OUT’ pins on their outfits for the night. Justin and Hailey Bieber made a silent but loud nod to the statement that was voiced out from the arena, by wearing the white pins on their black ensembles. Not just new generation, established legends also stood in support with Joni Mitchell wearing the pin while accepting her award for ‘Best Historical Album’.
Why does it matter?
The Grammy Awards are one of the most celebrated nights of the music world. From new popstars to rock legends, all were in attendance joining hands to celebrate the works of art that pierce hearts through the ears. But this year, the event didn’t just celebrate art, it became a centre-stage for its power of expression and enlightenment. Celebrities not only used their words, but also took help from the subtle cues of fashion to acknowledge that while they lead different lives from those of their fans and listeners, they are aware of their trials and tribulations and standing in solidarity with them. Since the beginning of 2026, ICE activities in US have heightened to lead to the fatal shooting of two Minneapolis residents, detention of kids and deportation of families. From mayors to singers, everyone has called for the Trump administration to step in, if not in the name of law, then humanity at least.
