Key Takeaways
- Celebrities wore anti-ICE pins at the Golden Globes to pay tribute to Renee Good, who was shot and killed by an ICE agent
- The pins displayed slogans like "BE GOOD" and "ICE OUT", introducing a political angle into the awards show
- The move was part of a grassroots campaign to raise awareness about ICE-related violence and to call for accountability
- Organizers plan to continue the campaign throughout awards season to keep the issue in the public eye
- The incident has sparked protests and clashes with law enforcement across the country, with Congressmembers vowing to take action
Introduction to the Incident
The 2026 Golden Globes ceremony took a political turn when several celebrities donned anti-ICE pins in tribute to Renee Good, who was shot and killed by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer in Minneapolis. The black-and-white pins, which displayed slogans like "BE GOOD" and "ICE OUT", were worn by notable figures such as Mark Ruffalo, Wanda Sykes, and Natasha Lyonne on the red carpet, while others like Jean Smart and Ariana Grande wore them inside the ballroom. This move introduced a political angle into the awards show, which was relatively apolitical the previous year.
Protests and Reactions
The shooting of Renee Good has sparked protests across the country, with many calling for accountability for her death as well as a separate shooting in Portland where Border Patrol agents wounded two people. Some protests have resulted in clashes with law enforcement, particularly in Minneapolis, where ICE is carrying out its largest immigration enforcement operation to date. Congressmembers have vowed to take an assertive response, and an FBI investigation into Good’s killing is ongoing. The Trump administration has defended the ICE officer’s actions, claiming that he was acting in self-defense and thought Good would hit him with her car.
The Organizers Behind the Pins
The idea for the "ICE OUT" 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. They recognized the potential of high-profile cultural moments to introduce millions of viewers to social issues and decided to take action. Stamp and Morales Rocketto began calling up celebrities and influencers they knew, who in turn brought their campaign to more prominent figures in their circles. This grassroots approach allowed them to reach a wider audience and bring attention to the issue of ICE-related violence.
Grassroots Campaign
The organizers have been attending "fancy events" leading up to the Golden Globes, passing out pins at parties and distributing them to neighbors who would be attending the ceremony. This approach has been effective in getting the pins to high-profile individuals, with some even wearing them on the red carpet. The organizers have pledged to continue the campaign throughout awards season to ensure that the public knows the names of Good and others killed by ICE agents in shootings. By keeping the issue in the public eye, they hope to bring about change and hold those responsible accountable.
The Importance of Celebrity Activism
The move by celebrities to wear anti-ICE pins at the Golden Globes is part of a longstanding tradition of artists taking a stand for justice. As Stamp noted, "There is a longstanding tradition of people who create art taking a stand for justice in moments. We’re going to continue that tradition." By using their platform to raise awareness about social issues, celebrities can bring attention to important causes and inspire others to take action. The organizers behind the "ICE OUT" pins recognize the power of celebrity activism and are using it to amplify their message and bring about change.
Conclusion
The wearing of anti-ICE pins at the Golden Globes is a powerful statement about the need for accountability and justice in the face of ICE-related violence. The incident has sparked protests and clashes with law enforcement across the country, and Congressmembers have vowed to take action. The organizers behind the pins have pledged to continue their campaign throughout awards season, using the platform of celebrity activism to bring attention to the issue and inspire change. As the public continues to grapple with the complexities of immigration and law enforcement, the "ICE OUT" pins serve as a powerful reminder of the need for justice and accountability.