Sabrina Carpenter’s Grammy Act Features Luggage Carousel Amid Anti‑ICE Controversy
Updated (4 articles)
Performance Details and Visual Theme Sabrina Carpenter opened the Crypto.com stage on February 3, 2026 with “Manchild,” dressed in a white lace‑up outfit and captain’s hat while dancing on a moving luggage carousel that simulated a fictional “Sabrina Carpenter Airlines” scenario[1]. The set included a suitcase emblazoned with a “Minneapolis” luggage tag, reinforcing the airport motif[1]. The choreography emphasized a travel‑themed narrative rather than a conventional pop performance[1].
Political Symbolism Interpreted by Social Media Threads users quickly identified the Minneapolis tag, interpreting it as a covert endorsement of anti‑ICE sentiment[1]. Jasmine Rae highlighted the detail, while commenters like Steph and Kitty argued the design was intentionally political[1]. The debate spread across platforms, with many viewers questioning whether the visual cue was a deliberate protest or an artistic coincidence[1].
Carpenter’s Prior Opposition to ICE Use of Music In December 2025, Carpenter publicly condemned ICE for using her 2020 song “Juno” in enforcement videos, labeling the footage “evil and disgusting” and refusing further licensing[1]. She reiterated her stance in interviews, emphasizing a personal commitment to immigrant rights[1]. This history fuels speculation that the Grammy staging may align with her earlier anti‑ICE position[1].
Context of Broader Anti‑ICE Statements at Grammys The night featured additional anti‑ICE remarks, most notably Bad Bunny’s shouted “ICE OUT” during his acceptance speech and his declaration that “We’re not savage, we’re not animals, we’re not aliens. We are humans and we are Americans”[1]. These statements created a collective atmosphere of immigration‑related protest at the ceremony[1]. Media outlets noted the convergence of multiple artists’ messages as a significant cultural moment[1].
Background of Minneapolis Shooting Influencing Debate The performance’s political reading is intensified by the January 24, 2026 shooting of 37‑year‑old Alex Pretti by Border Patrol officers in Minneapolis, an incident contested by state officials who claim video shows Pretti unarmed[1]. The controversy surrounding the shooting has become a flashpoint for anti‑ICE activism nationwide[1]. Observers link the suitcase tag to this recent event, interpreting it as a direct reference to the ongoing dispute[1].
Timeline
Sep 2025 – The Trump administration launches a series of maritime strikes in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific targeting drug‑ferrying boats, causing more than 80 deaths and illustrating its strategy to frame immigration and drug‑enforcement policies with patriotic messaging[2].
Dec 1, 2025 – Kids Can Press condemns Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s doctored X post of Franklin the Turtle with a bazooka as violent and unauthorized[2]; the same day the White House posts a 21‑second X video of ICE agents detaining migrants while Sabrina Carpenter’s “Juno” plays, captioned “Have you ever tried this one? Bye‑bye”[3][4].
Dec 2, 2025 – Sabrina Carpenter tweets that the administration’s ICE montage using her song “Juno” is “evil and disgusting,” demanding the government stop exploiting her music for its immigration agenda[2][3][4].
Dec 5, 2025 – After Carpenter’s backlash, the White House removes the ICE video from X without comment, leaving a silent version on TikTok, and later that day uploads a new TikTok clip that splices footage from Carpenter’s October SNL promo, overdubs “hot” with “illegal,” and captions “PSA: If you’re a criminal illegal, you WILL be arrested & deported”[4][3].
Dec 6, 2025 – White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson defends the original ICE video to The Washington Post, citing Carpenter’s “Short n’ Sweet” album and “Manchild” lyrics, and asserts the administration will not apologize for deporting “dangerous criminal illegal murderers, rapists, and pedophiles”[3][4].
Jan 24, 2026 – Border Patrol officers shoot 37‑year‑old Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, claiming he brandished a 9 mm handgun; state officials dispute the account, noting video shows him empty‑handed, intensifying controversy over ICE enforcement tactics[1].
Feb 3, 2026 – Sabrina Carpenter performs “Manchild” at the Grammys on a moving luggage carousel styled as “Sabrina Carpenter Airlines,” wearing a captain’s hat and a white lace‑up outfit; a suitcase bearing a “Minneapolis” tag sparks Threads speculation that the detail intentionally signals support for anti‑ICE protests, with users debating its intentionality[1].
Feb 3, 2026 – During his Grammy acceptance speech, Bad Bunny shouts “ICE OUT” and declares “We’re not savage, we’re not animals, we’re not aliens. We are humans and we are Americans,” joining other artists in overt criticism of U.S. immigration enforcement[1].
All related articles (4 articles)
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Newsweek: Sabrina Carpenter’s Grammy Performance Sparks Debate Over Hidden Anti‑ICE Message
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WBNS (Columbus, OH): White House Deletes ICE Video After Sabrina Carpenter Rebuke, Replaces With New Clip
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King5 (Seattle, WA): White House Deletes ICE Video After Sabrina Carpenter Rebuke, Releases New Clip Targeting Singer
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AP: Sabrina Carpenter and Franklin Publisher Condemn Trump Administration’s Use of Their Music and Imagery
External resources (1 links)
- https://www.tiktok.com/@whitehouse/video/7580477408675892493 (cited 2 times)