Keith Lee wants people to know where the good food in Los Angeles is…and also, “F*ck ICE!”

The viral food critic used a quick LA restaurant recommendation to make a blunt political point. When asked where to get good food in Los Angeles, Lee said, “Anywhere serving Spanish food, Mexican food. F*ck ICE,” Lee answered on the Grammys red carpet. And he finished with his signature, “God is amazing.”

Lee’s urging comes amid heightened national scrutiny of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following a spate of high-profile incidents that have driven public debate and celebrity responses. Lee’s reaction offers solidarity with immigrant communities and a call to support local, often family-run Latino restaurants that can be disproportionately impacted by anti-immigrant sentiment. 

The red carpet exchange has been clipped and circulated across social platforms, with fans amplifying the message to “eat local,” while some critics have pushed back. Lee, who built a massive following by spotlighting mom-and-pop spots and calling out what he considered unsavory in the food world, has a history of frank takes — and this was no different. In his matter-of-fact tone, his sentiment was both a culinary plug and a political one. 

It’s just a small and effective example of how creators like Lee blur influence and activism, and it shows a larger conversation playing out across American cities. Where consumers spend their dollars matters! And public figures are using short, viral moments to nudge audiences toward intentional choices. Gotta love Keith Lee!