Key Takeaways
- Celebrities wore anti-ICE pins at the Golden Globes to tribute Renee Good, who was shot and killed by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer
- The pins displayed slogans like “BE GOOD” and “ICE OUT” to introduce a political angle into the awards show
- Protests have broken out across the country, calling for accountability for Good’s death and a separate shooting in Portland
- Congressmembers have vowed an assertive response, and an FBI investigation into Good’s killing is ongoing
- The organizers of the anti-ICE pins campaign plan to continue the campaign throughout awards season to raise awareness about the issue
Introduction to the Anti-ICE Pins
The 2026 Golden Globes ceremony took a political turn when several celebrities donned anti-ICE pins on the red carpet. The pins, which displayed slogans like “BE GOOD” and “ICE OUT,” were a tribute to Renee Good, who was shot and killed by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer in Minneapolis earlier in the week. The move was seen as a way to introduce a political angle into the awards show, which had been relatively apolitical the previous year. Celebrities such as Mark Ruffalo, Wanda Sykes, and Natasha Lyonne wore the pins on the red carpet, while others like Jean Smart and Ariana Grande donned them once inside the ballroom.
The Shooting of Renee Good and Its Aftermath
The shooting of Renee Good has sparked widespread outrage and protests across the country. The incident occurred when an ICE officer shot and killed Good in her car, claiming that he was acting in self-defense. However, the incident has raised questions about the use of force by law enforcement agencies and the need for accountability. Protests have broken out in several cities, including Minneapolis, where ICE is carrying out its largest immigration enforcement operation to date. The protests have resulted in clashes with law enforcement, with some demonstrators calling for the officer responsible to be arrested and charged.
The Campaign Behind the Anti-ICE Pins
The idea for the anti-ICE pins began with a late-night text exchange between Nelini Stamp of Working Families Power and Jess Morales Rocketto, the executive director of a Latino advocacy group called Maremoto. The two organizers know that high-profile cultural moments like the Golden Globes can introduce millions of viewers to social issues and raise awareness about important causes. They began calling up celebrities and influencers they knew, who in turn brought their campaign to more prominent figures in their circles. The initial outreach included labor activist Ai-jen Poo, who walked the Golden Globes’ red carpet in 2018 with Meryl Streep to highlight the Time’s Up movement.
The Significance of Celebrity Activism
The use of celebrity activism to raise awareness about social issues is not new. There is a long tradition of people who create art taking a stand for justice in moments of crisis. The 1973 Oscars, when Sacheen Littlefeather took Marlon Brando’s place and declined his award to protest American entertainment’s portrayal of Native Americans, is a notable example. The organizers of the anti-ICE pins campaign are continuing this tradition by using the Golden Globes as a platform to raise awareness about the issue of ICE violence and the need for accountability. By wearing the pins, celebrities are showing their support for the movement and helping to bring attention to the issue.
The Response from Congress and Law Enforcement
The shooting of Renee Good has also sparked a response from Congress, with several members vowing to take action to address the issue of ICE violence. An FBI investigation into Good’s killing is ongoing, and the Trump administration has defended the ICE officer’s actions, claiming that he was acting in self-defense. However, the incident has raised questions about the use of force by law enforcement agencies and the need for accountability. The organizers of the anti-ICE pins campaign are calling for Congress to take action to address the issue and to hold law enforcement agencies accountable for their actions.
Conclusion and Future Plans
The anti-ICE pins campaign is not just a one-time event, but rather a part of a larger movement to raise awareness about the issue of ICE violence and the need for accountability. The organizers plan to continue the campaign throughout awards season, distributing pins to celebrities and influencers who will be attending upcoming events. By using the platform of the Golden Globes and other awards shows, the organizers hope to bring attention to the issue and to pressure Congress and law enforcement agencies to take action. As Nelini Stamp said, "There is a longstanding tradition of people who create art taking a stand for justice in moments. We’re going to continue that tradition."