Comments made by Billie Eilish at the 68th Grammy Awards have continued to spark discussion, now drawing a response from a Native American tribe whose ancestral territory includes parts of Los Angeles, where the artist owns a multimillion-dollar residence.

“No one is illegal on stolen land”

On February 1, Eilish, 24, accepted the Grammy for Song of the Year for “Wildflower,” appearing onstage with her brother and creative partner Finneas. During her acceptance speech, she shifted briefly from gratitude to political commentary, addressing immigration enforcement by saying:

“As grateful as I am, I really don’t feel the need to say much more than that no one is illegal on stolen land.”

She then added a blunt condemnation of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The remarks—referencing the legacy of European colonization in North America—spread rapidly online. Supporters praised Eilish for using a high-profile platform to spotlight immigration issues and Indigenous history. Critics, however, questioned the alignment between her message and her ownership of property in Los Angeles.

Tongva tribe responds

Los Angeles is located on the ancestral lands of the Gabrieleno Tongva people. Following the public reaction to Eilish’s speech, a spokesperson for the Tongva tribe addressed the issue in comments to The Daily Mail.

“We appreciate the opportunity to clarify the recent statements made by Billie Eilish,” the spokesperson said. “As the First People of the greater Los Angeles basin, we recognize that her home is located on our ancestral land.”

The tribe noted that Eilish had not contacted them directly regarding her property, but emphasized appreciation for public figures who bring attention to Indigenous history.

“It is our hope that future conversations explicitly acknowledge the tribe, so the public understands that the greater Los Angeles basin remains Gabrieleno Tongva territory,” the spokesperson added.

According to reports, tribal representatives reached out to Eilish’s team to share their perspective and acknowledgment.

Backlash and calls for action

Online reaction intensified in the days following the speech. Some critics argued that if Eilish truly believes in the concept of “stolen land,” she should return her property to the Tongva tribe or make it available to undocumented migrants.

Political commentator Eric Daugherty posted on X that Eilish should either “return her mansion” or “house illegal aliens” if she stands by her remarks. Similar sentiments were echoed by conservative figures, including Mike Lee, who suggested that public acknowledgments of stolen land should be followed by immediate land transfers to Native Americans.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis dismissed the comments as “stolen land nonsense,” while Elon Musk responded with a brief message of agreement to a related post.

Others criticized what they see as a broader gap between celebrity activism and personal wealth, often using sarcasm to underscore their point.

Broader immigration context

Eilish has previously spoken out against ICE, accusing the agency of abusive practices and excessive force. Her Grammy remarks reinforced a stance she has maintained for years.

The controversy unfolded amid renewed national debate over immigration enforcement, including recent high-profile ICE operations that have reignited discussion around federal policy and its impact on communities across the United States.