In a night filled with musical triumphs and bold statements, SZA emerged as one of the standout voices at the 2026 Grammy Awards, not just for her awards but for her unflinching criticism of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The singer-songwriter, whose real name is Solána Imani Rowe, took home two Grammys on February 1, 2026, including the prestigious Record of the Year for her collaboration “Luther” with Kendrick Lamar.
This victory marked a high point in her career, but SZA used the platform to address the escalating concerns over ICE’s activities, echoing a broader wave of artist activism at the ceremony.
The Grammys, held at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, were overshadowed by real-world tensions. Reports of increased ICE operations, including raids and deportations, have sparked widespread outrage in recent months, particularly amid heightened immigration debates.
Many attendees, including SZA, Bad Bunny, and Billie Eilish, wore “ICE Out” pins to symbolize their opposition.
Bad Bunny made history as the first artist to win Album of the Year for a Spanish-language project with *Un Verano Sin Ti*, and he used his acceptance speech to condemn ICE’s actions, citing fears that led him to cancel U.S. tour dates.
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Billie Eilish, fresh off her own wins, joined the chorus, urging fans to “stay vigilant” against what she called “systemic cruelty.” SZA’s comments came during a backstage interview with Variety’s Tomas Mier, where she didn’t hold back.
“It’s always ‘F*ck ICE,'” she declared, emphasizing her long-standing stance. She described the evening as “dystopian,” highlighting the stark contrast between the glitz of the awards show and the harsh realities faced by immigrants and communities across the country.
“People are getting snatched up and shot in the face on the street,” SZA said, expressing her rage but also her determination not to succumb to despair. “I believe this is a time when we can dig deep as a community and really learn that it’s not time to count on anyone else but us and our neighbors to protect ourselves.”
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The artist, known for her introspective and socially conscious lyrics in albums like *SOS*, has previously touched on themes of injustice and personal struggle. Her 2026 wins follow a string of successes, including multiple nominations and a growing influence in the R&B and pop scenes.
But SZA made it clear that her priorities extend beyond accolades. “Yay, that’s an amazing opportunity. Boo that this is even happening,” she told Variety, referring to the celebratory mood amid ongoing crises.
She encouraged her peers and fans to maintain morale, insisting that change remains possible: “I’m personally not going quietly into the dying of the light.
So, I encourage everybody to stay.” SZA’s statements quickly resonated online, with fans and fellow musicians amplifying her message on social media. In a series of Instagram Stories posted shortly after the event, she reiterated her views, urging the industry to use its platform for advocacy.
This isn’t the first time artists have turned award shows into forums for political discourse, but the coordinated effort at the 2026 Grammys — complete with pins, speeches, and interviews — signals a unified front against ICE’s policies.
As the dust settles from the Grammys, SZA’s words serve as a reminder of the intersection between art and activism.
While her wins celebrate her musical prowess, her outspokenness underscores a commitment to social justice that continues to define her legacy.
In a world where celebrations and crises coexist, SZA’s voice cuts through the noise, calling for solidarity and action.