White House Confronts Bad Bunny After the Grammys, Reigniting the Clash Between Pop Culture and Immigration Policy

White House vs Bad Bunny

Speeches against ICE

Immediate official response

The White House responded forcefully to anti-ICE messages voiced during the recent GRAMMY Awards, particularly the speech delivered by Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny.

Two days after the event, presidential spokesperson Karoline Leavitt accused several artists of attempting to discredit law enforcement at a time of heightened political tension.

The remarks come as the administration of President Donald Trump defends immigration raids and reinforces its border security narrative.

The exchange has reopened debate over the role of celebrities in immigration issues and the political reach of cultural stages—central to the White House vs Bad Bunny ICE controversy.

White House Accuses Bad Bunny of “Demonization” of ICE

White House vs Bad Bunny Over ICE Comments-Photo: Shutterstock

During a press conference on February 3, Leavitt was asked about Bad Bunny’s comments at the Grammys.

She stated that the singer’s message “attempts to demonize law enforcement officers who are working to enforce the laws of the nation.”

You may also like: Eduardo Verástegui Blasts Bad Bunny After His Controversial Speech at the 2026 Grammys

According to Leavitt, criticism delivered from the awards stage ignores the role immigration agents play in combating violent crime.

“Right now we have law enforcement simply trying to do their jobs,” she said, referencing recent acts of violence.

The Bad Bunny Speech That Sparked the Backlash

Bad Bunny spoke while accepting the award for Best Urban Music Album during Sunday’s ceremony.

“Before thanking God, I’m going to say: ICE out. We are not savages, we are not animals—we are human beings and we are Americans,” he declared to loud applause.

The artist also urged the audience to reject hate amid the current political climate.

“The only thing more powerful than hate is love,” he said, calling on people to “be different” in the face of polarization.

More Artists Join the Criticism

Bad Bunny’s remarks were not isolated during the gala.

Billie Eilish also drew reactions after stating, “No one is illegal on stolen land,” upon winning Song of the Year.

Lady Gaga and Justin Bieber posed for cameras wearing pins that read “ICE Out.”

These gestures cemented the Grammys as a symbolic platform for protest against immigration policies.

Leavitt Takes Aim at Hollywood

The White House spokesperson accused the entertainment industry of hypocrisy.

She criticized the lack of vocal opposition during the administration of Joe Biden to immigration measures that she claimed allowed a “border invasion.”

“There was no outrage from Hollywood and the elite,” Leavitt said.

In her view, the current criticism reflects “an unfortunate irony.”

Political Context and Social Tension

The artists’ statements came amid large-scale immigration raids.

They also coincided with heightened tensions following the deaths of two people in Minneapolis after shootings involving federal agents.

These developments have intensified debate over security, human rights, and the role of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The White House maintains that the operations are intended to protect the public.

Bad Bunny began his speech at the Grammys by saying “ICE OUT”:

“We are not savages, we are not animals, we are not aliens, we are human beings and we are Americans. Hate becomes more powerful with more hate. The only thing more powerful than hate is love.” pic.twitter.com/mzZPOREEB7

— ana⁴⁴ (@anapau_villa) February 2, 2026

Bad Bunny’s U.S. Citizenship

Following the speech, social media users questioned the artist’s nationality.

Bad Bunny was born in Bayamón, Puerto Rico, and raised in Vega Baja.

Legally, he has been a U.S. citizen since birth.

This is because Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, and since 1917, people born there automatically receive U.S. citizenship—a key fact in the debate he himself brought to the Grammys stage, as reported by Milenio.

The episode underscores how the White House vs Bad Bunny ICE clash has become a flashpoint for broader arguments over culture, immigration, and political expression in America.