© EPA/JILL CONNELLY The party in power took exception to the ICE critique.
Republican Senator Eric Schmitt, representing Missouri, stated that vocalist Billie Eilish should surrender her Grammy Award after she voiced criticism of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during her address at the awards gala, The Hill reports.
“My view is that Billie Eilish ought to give back her Grammy and perhaps her wealth, which I am aware is also situated on appropriated land,” Schmitt conveyed to freelance journalist Nicholas Ballasy on Thursday. “It’s preposterous. These individuals are utterly detached from reality.”
Eilish secured the Song of the Year accolade on Sunday for her composition “Wildflower.” During her acceptance speech on stage, she conveyed strong disapproval of ICE following the fatal shootings of two individuals by federal immigration officers during operations in Minnesota the prior month.
“No one is unlawful on seized territory,” Eilish asserted. “It’s genuinely challenging to ascertain the appropriate actions and expressions presently, but I perceive optimism within this space. We must persist in our advocacy, vocalization, and demonstrations, for our opinions genuinely hold weight. And individuals are important. And damn ICE, that’s my sole sentiment.”
The singer was accompanied by her sibling and musical collaborator, Finneas O'Connell, throughout the performance. He championed his sister’s stance in a post on the social media platform Threads on Wednesday.
“I observe a considerable number of highly influential older Caucasian men enraged by my 24-year-old sister’s declarations from the podium,” he penned, further stating, “We can readily discern your names within Jeffrey Epstein’s documentation.”
Numerous attendees of the event also denounced the immigration protocols of the Donald Trump administration, including Puerto Rican performer Bad Bunny.
“Prior to extending gratitude to God, I will express: ICE – depart,” he proclaimed. “We are not barbarians, we are not creatures, nor are we extraterrestrials. We are human beings, and we are Americans.”
US President Donald Trump has offered harsh words regarding the Grammy Awards presentation, deeming it “virtually unwatchable.”
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has deployed over 2,000 federal agents and officers to Minnesota as a component of Operation Metro Surge. The deaths of Renee Goode and Alex Pretty at the hands of immigration officials have additionally amplified strain between the state's Democratic leadership and the White House.