The appointment of Bad Bunny as the halftime show star for Super Bowl LX in 2026 has sparked an intense controversy that highlights Donald Trump's strict and controversial immigration policy.
The Secretary of National Security, Kristi Noem, issued a direct warning to those planning to attend the event scheduled to take place in February in New Orleans.
"We will be everywhere. We will enforce the law. You should not come to the Super Bowl unless you are a law-abiding American citizen," stated on the YouTube program of conservative Benny Johnson.
Noem emphasized that her department is responsible for ensuring the event's safety and stated that agents will be present throughout the entire show.
"I have the responsibility to ensure that everyone can come to the Super Bowl, that they have the opportunity to enjoy it and leave, and that is what the U.S. represents. So, yes, we will be everywhere in that place," he added.
When asked about the NFL's decision to choose Bad Bunny for the halftime show, the official replied: "They stink, we are going to win, God will bless us, we will have a clear conscience and they won’t be able to sleep at night."
The warning is perceived as an intimidating message for the Latino and migrant community, highlighting the administration's zero tolerance policy towards undocumented individuals, even at large cultural and sporting events.
The Puerto Rican artist's concern for the safety of their audience
The context of this tension dates back to Bad Bunny's decision not to include the continental United States in his tour, due to fears of immigration raids outside his concerts.
In an interview with i-D magazine, the Puerto Rican artist explained that the presence of ICE agents outside his shows caused him concern, and that his decision to perform in Puerto Rico aimed to protect both his audience and himself.
"All the shows have been a success. I have enjoyed connecting with the Latinos living in the United States. However, there was the concern that ICE could be out there, and that worried us a lot," he stated.
Clash between Latin culture and the American conservative agenda
The rejection of Bad Bunny by conservative sectors has not taken long to manifest.
Corey Lewandowski, advisor to the Department of Homeland Security and former campaign chief for Donald Trump, described the selection of the artist as "a disgrace" and warned that ICE agents will be present to detain and deport any undocumented migrant.
"There is no place in this country that provides a safe haven for people who are here illegally. Not at the Super Bowl or anywhere else," Lewandowsk declared.
The controversy is not limited to surveillance: the comments made by Johnson and Lewandowski have infused the debate with cultural and political connotations, questioning whether an artist who speaks Spanish and has criticized the arrests and deportations of migrants can represent the United States, even if he is a U.S. citizen by virtue of being Puerto Rican.
According to them, the choice of interpreter does not meet the supposed standards of American identity and demonstrates ideological interference in the selection of artists for high-profile events.
Despite the criticism, Bad Bunny has celebrated his participation in the Super Bowl and directed a message of cultural pride to his community: "This is for my people, my culture, and our history. Go tell your grandmother that WE WILL BE THE HALFTIME SHOW OF THE SUPER BOWL".
However, from the government apparatus, this narrative has been dismissed, reaffirming that the enforcement of immigration law will have no exceptions, not even during one of the most publicized and attended events in the country.
The situation highlights the tension between U.S. immigration policy, which prioritizes surveillance and deportation, and cultural entertainment that celebrates diversity.
Noem's warning and Lewandowski's statements place Super Bowl 2026 at the center of a debate that transcends sports, highlighting how security and politics intertwine with music, Latino culture, laws, and migrant rights in the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bad Bunny's Participation in Super Bowl 2026
Why does Bad Bunny's participation in Super Bowl 2026 generate controversy?
The controversy surrounding Bad Bunny's participation in Super Bowl 2026 primarily revolves around the strict immigration policies of Donald Trump's administration and the presence of ICE agents at the event to detain and deport undocumented immigrants. The choice of Bad Bunny, a Puerto Rican artist who has already criticized these policies, has been labeled a "shame" by conservative factions, intensifying the political and cultural debate in the United States.
What security measures will be implemented at Super Bowl 2026?
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has announced that there will be a strong presence of ICE agents at Super Bowl 2026 to enforce immigration laws. The Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, has warned that agents will be "everywhere" to ensure safety, raising concerns among the Latino and migrant community that may attend the event.
Why did Bad Bunny decide not to include the United States in his tour?
Bad Bunny decided not to include the United States in his tour due to concerns that ICE operations at his concerts could put his followers at risk, many of whom are undocumented Latinos. Despite this, he chose to make an exception for the Super Bowl 2026, prioritizing the safety of his audience in the context of the strict U.S. immigration policy.
What does Bad Bunny's participation in the Super Bowl represent for the Latin community?
Bad Bunny's participation in the Super Bowl represents a cultural milestone for the Latino community, as he is the first solo Latino artist to headline the halftime show of the most-watched event on American television. Bad Bunny has stated that his performance is an act of cultural pride and a recognition of the history and contributions of the Latino community in the United States.
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