Kehlani openly criticized Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers while attending the 2026 Grammy Awards in Los Angeles. During a red carpet interview with the Hollywood Reporter, the 30-year-old singer declared, “I wanted to say f**k ICE,” adding that it felt “brainless” for artists to gather at such a high-profile event without addressing societal issues. She accessorized her black sheer gown with an “ICE OUT” pin to emphasize her stance.
Later that evening, Kehlani won Best R&B Song and Best R&B Performance for her 2025 track “Folded” and reiterated her condemnation during her acceptance speech. “Together, we’re stronger in numbers [and must] speak against all the injustice going on in the world right now,” she urged, closing with, “F**k ICE.”
Her comments align with broader celebrity protests against ICE following recent incidents, including the fatal shootings of Minnesota resident Renee Good and ICU nurse Alex Pretti, who was allegedly shot while filming officers attempting to assist a civilian. The Department of Justice is investigating the shooting, with involved agents placed on administrative leave.
Other stars like Olivia Rodrigo, Pedro Pascal, Katy Perry, and Jamie Lee Curtis have also denounced ICE. Pascal called the agency’s actions “unspeakable s**t” and supported the recent “ICE OUT—Nationwide Shutdown” protest. Billie Eilish similarly challenged fellow celebrities to break their silence, posting, “Hey my fellow celebrities u gonna speak up?” on Instagram.