Bad Bunny at Super Bowl LX: What the ICE Threat Means for Latino Fans

Puerto Rico’s Bad Bunny will headline the Super Bowl 2026 halftime show, the world’s most-watched stage. The announcement was made on Sept. 28, 2025, by the NFL, Apple Music — the official Halftime Show sponsor — and Roc Nation, the event’s executive producer. Tickets are available through official resale platforms and the NFL, ranging from $4,000 to more than $15,000, with options offered on On Location and Ticketmaster.

The event is set for Feb. 8, 2026, in Santa Clara, California. The news was revealed during the Sunday Night Football broadcast and on social media by the NFL, its partners, and the artist himself, sparking backlash among prominent MAGA figures.

Bad Bunny to Headline Super Bowl LX — ICE Controversy and Reactions

Bad Bunny’s selection has stirred controversy for placing a Latino artist on the world’s biggest stage amid deep social and political division in the United States. The possible presence of ICE agents during the show has heightened tension and reignited debate over Latino representation, similar to past reactions when Shakira and Jennifer Lopez took the stage.

Following the NFL’s announcement that Bad Bunny will headline the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show, Corey Lewandowski, a political operative for Donald Trump and adviser to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)—the agency that oversees ICE—made public comments about immigration enforcement at large events.

“There is no place in this country where people who are here illegally can find safe harbor — Not at the Super Bowl, and not anywhere else,” Lewandowski said during an interview on The Benny Show. He also criticized the NFL’s decision to select Bad Bunny, calling it “disgraceful” and questioning the artist’s stance toward the U.S. (People).

Lewandowski added, “We’ll be everywhere Bad Bunny performs… We’re going to enforce the law everywhere because we’re going to ensure the safety of Americans. That’s the president’s directive.”

In response, White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt clarified on Oct. 3 that there are currently no plans to conduct immigration enforcement at the Super Bowl. “As far as I know, there’s no tangible plan for that at this time,” she said, noting that immigration enforcement occurs according to established policies when undocumented individuals are encountered 

While some members of the Latino community have questions about attendance and access ahead of the event because the ticket prices are high, Bad Bunny’s performance is widely seen as a milestone for Latino representation on one of the world’s largest stages. Fans and observers continue to follow updates from the NFL and local authorities as the Feb. 8, 2026 show approaches.

Bad Bunny Faces Backlash from Trump Supporters

Members of the Trump administration, allies, and even the former president himself have made their opposition to Bad Bunny and his stance on immigration clear.

Comedian and talk show host Jimmy Kimmel addressed the controversy on his October 8 program, mocking the outrage from Trump supporters and the MAGA movement, who claim Bad Bunny was chosen for political reasons. “Let’s be honest. No one thinks he will unify anyone. This isn’t about music, it’s about putting someone on stage who hates Trump and MAGA,” Kimmel said sarcastically.

Speaker of the House, Republican Mike Johnson, joined the criticism and suggested country singer Lee Greenwood as a replacement. “I didn’t even know who Bad Bunny was. But from what I’ve heard, it seems like a terrible decision,” he said. “He doesn’t seem like someone who would appeal to a broader audience. I think a lot of people are watching the Super Bowl, many impressionable young viewers. In my opinion, Lee Greenwood, or some role model, would do it. Not someone like him.”

Kimmel responded with laughter: “Lee Greenwood is 82 years old! Mike, besides God Bless the USA, name a song by Lee Greenwood. Name one and we’ll let him sing at halftime, I promise you!”

Why Bad Bunny Skipped U.S. Tour Date and His Response to Trump-Aligned Criticism

Bad Bunny announced his participation with a video ending with the Super Bowl LX logo and a message: “Lo que estoy sintiendo va más allá de mí. Es por aquellos que me precedieron y corrieron incontables yardas para que yo pudiera entrar y anotar un touchdown. Esto es por mi gente, mi cultura y nuestra historia. Ve y dile a tu abuela que seremos el HALFTIME SHOW DEL SUPER BOWL.”

The reggaeton star, one of the most-streamed artists in the world, was chosen by the NFL and its sponsors as a strategic move to engage the diverse Latino audience and expand his global reach. However, his selection drew criticism from Trump-aligned figures.

On Newsmax’s Greg Kelly Reports, the host said, “The NFL just picked that rabbit, Bad Bunny, or whatever his name is, a guy who hates ICE and accuses everything he doesn’t like of racism.” Donald Trump responded: “I’ve never heard of him… I don’t know who he is, I don’t know why they’re doing it. It’s crazy. I think it’s absolutely ridiculous.”

Months before the announcement, Bad Bunny had already sparked debate after revealing in an interview with i-D magazine that he had removed the United States from his Debí Tirar Más Fotos (2025–2026) world tour over concerns of ICE raids. “Honestamente, sí,” he said when asked if the decision was due to mass deportations.

After Trump’s criticism, the artist responded with humor during his appearance on Saturday Night Live: “Estoy muy emocionado de hacer el Super Bowl. Es más que una victoria para mí; es una victoria para todos nosotros. Nuestras huellas y nuestra contribución en este país, nadie podrá quitárnoslas.” Looking into the camera, he added sarcastically: “Si no entendieron lo que acabo de decir, tienen cuatro meses para aprender español.”

@latinus_us Si no entendiste lo que acabo de decir, tienes cuatro meses para aprender: Bad Bunny sobre su próxima presentación en español en el Super Bowl LX. #Latinus #InformaciónParaTi ♬ sonido original - Latinus

Celebrities Cheer Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Role

Being chosen to perform at the Super Bowl halftime show is considered a prestigious honor in the music industry, reserved for legends such as Michael Jackson, Prince, Madonna, and Beyoncé. Beyond entertainment, the event carries social and cultural weight, and the choice of performer often sparks debates about diversity, representation, and politics in the United States.

News that Bad Bunny will headline the Super Bowl 2026 halftime show was met with enthusiasm from several celebrities, who celebrated the achievement as a symbol of Latino pride. Jennifer Lopez shared a photo with the singer along with the message, “Now it’s your turn! Let’s go, Bori gang!” Shakira wrote, “Welcome back to the Super Bowl stage! Here goes my Latino people!” referencing their collaboration at the Super Bowl 2020. Other artists, including Jelly Roll and Diplo, also celebrated the announcement on social media, calling it a historic show.

For the general public, Bad Bunny’s selection is viewed by some as a political statement against Trump, by others as hypocrisy, and by others still as a strategic move using the artist’s influence. Bad Bunny (Benito Martínez) is a U.S. citizen from Puerto Rico and performs primarily in Spanish, choices that have made his selection symbolically important for Latino representation today. 

Despite the event’s scale and Bad Bunny’s popularity, he will not receive payment for his performance. The NFL will cover the production costs, while the artist benefits from a massive increase in streaming, followers, and sales.