Brittany Howard Protests ICE, Calls for Unity at Ohana Festival

Ohana 2026

Brittany Howard Protests ICE at Ohana Festival, Urges Americans to Protect Each Other

Alabama Shakes bandleader wore an "ICE OUT" pin during the group's set at the Orange County fest and delivered a message of unity

By Charisma Madarang

Charisma Madarang

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September 27, 2026

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During Alabama Shakes ‘ sublime set at Ohana Festival on Saturday in Dana Point, California, frontwoman Brittany Howard paused the show to deliver a brief commentary on hope and solidarity amid nationwide Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids that have devasted communities across the United States.

Howard, who wore a billowing white gown and an “ICE OUT” pin prominently attached to her guitar strap, addressed the thousands gathered in the heart of Orange County’s conservative enclave. “I was thinking about people who risk their life, living to protect each other, protect their communities, protect their neighbors, protect our rights, and when I see that, it gives me hope for our future,” said Howard. “At the end of it all, it’s really just us taking care of each other.”

The singer’s message was met with cheers from the beachside crowd, which was just a few cities down from MAGA-heavy Huntington Beach. Howard’s words echoes Alabama Shakes’ first new record in 11 years, I Must Be Dreaming , which finds the band reckoning with the social and political shakeups that have happened over the past decade — alongside the beauty found in the everyday.

“I want people to be able to know that they can rely on each other,” Howard told Rolling Stone last month when discussing the LP.

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_Originally reported by [Rolling Stone](https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/alabama-shakes-protest-against-ice-ohana-fest-performance-1235632485/)._