Trump Officials Hint at ICE Crackdown Following Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Announcement
The excitement surrounding Bad Bunny’s upcoming 2026 Super Bowl halftime show has quickly turned political after figures from the Trump administration suggested plans to intensify immigration enforcement around major national events — including the Super Bowl itself.
ICE Presence Sparks Uproar
During an interview on The Benny Show, former Trump campaign manager Corey Lewandowski revealed that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) could expand operations at public gatherings across the country.
“There’s no such thing as a safe haven for those here illegally,” he said. “Not at the Super Bowl or anywhere else.”
The comments came just hours after the NFL confirmed that Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny would headline Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, California, in February 2026. The timing immediately fueled debate, with critics accusing the administration of politicizing entertainment, while supporters saw it as a reaffirmation of immigration laws.
Bad Bunny’s Past Stance on ICE
Bad Bunny — whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio — has long criticized U.S. immigration policies. In a 2024 interview with i-D Magazine, he explained that he skipped certain U.S. cities on tour because fans from immigrant backgrounds feared ICE raids near concert venues.
“It’s something that really worried us,” he said at the time.
Administration Defends Its Approach
Lewandowski, now an informal adviser to the Department of Homeland Security, insisted that ICE’s focus on enforcement aligns with Trump’s broader “law and order” agenda.
He criticized the NFL for selecting what he called a “divisive figure” to perform:
“It’s disappointing they’d choose someone who doesn’t seem to love this country. There are plenty of great American artists who could unite people instead of dividing them.”
A DHS spokesperson later clarified that no specific ICE operations have been confirmed for the Super Bowl, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to targeting “violent criminal illegal aliens.”
Public Reactions
The remarks drew swift reactions from across the political spectrum. Supporters of the administration praised the stance as consistent and fair.
“Every country enforces its borders,” wrote conservative commentator Greg Foreman on X. “This isn’t about Bad Bunny — it’s about upholding the law.”
Civil rights advocates, however, accused the administration of fearmongering. Journalist Maria Hinojosa wrote, “Threatening ICE raids at cultural events like the Super Bowl is about intimidation, not safety.”
The ACLU echoed those concerns, warning that it would be monitoring any enforcement efforts closely and condemning the use of “cultural stages as tools of political messaging.”
A Cultural Moment
Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl booking represents a major milestone for Latin artists. The 30-year-old superstar — known for blending reggaeton, trap, and pop — has become one of the most streamed musicians in the world and a symbol of cultural pride for Latino communities.
NFL officials described his selection as “a celebration of global creativity and unity,” noting that his performance is expected to draw younger and more international viewers.
Politics Meets Pop Culture
Experts say the controversy illustrates how deeply entertainment and politics have become intertwined.
“When a halftime performer becomes part of a national immigration debate, it shows just how symbolic pop culture has become in American politics,” said political scientist Daniel Rosas of the University of Texas.
Looking Ahead
With Super Bowl LX still months away, it remains uncertain whether ICE will actually conduct operations near the event. Bad Bunny has not responded publicly to Lewandowski’s statements, focusing instead on his upcoming album expected to drop in early 2026.
Regardless of what happens next, one thing is clear: next year’s Super Bowl won’t just be a sporting spectacle — it’s already shaping up to be a political flashpoint reflecting the cultural divides of modern America.