The announcement that global superstar Bad Bunny will headline the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show has sparked an unexpected political reaction, as Trump administration officials hinted at plans for heightened immigration enforcement surrounding the event.
According to comments made this week by longtime Trump adviser Corey Lewandowski, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) may increase its presence at major public gatherings, including the upcoming Super Bowl, as part of a broader strategy to tighten immigration enforcement across the country.
ICE Deployment Plans Stir Controversy
Speaking during an interview on The Benny Show Wednesday, Lewandowski made remarks that quickly went viral, suggesting that no location would be considered “off limits” for immigration enforcement actions.
“There is nowhere you can provide safe haven to people who are in this country illegally,” Lewandowski said. “Not the Super Bowl and nowhere else. We will find you, apprehend you, and deport you. That’s a very real situation under this administration.”
His comments came just hours after the NFL confirmed that Puerto Rican singer and rapper Bad Bunny — one of the world’s biggest music stars — would perform at the halftime show of Super Bowl LX, set to take place in Santa Clara, California, in February 2026.
The statement immediately drew attention, with critics accusing the administration of politicizing a major cultural event, while supporters praised the stance as consistent with President Trump’s campaign promises on immigration enforcement.
Bad Bunny’s History of Criticism Toward ICE
Bad Bunny, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, has been a vocal critic of U.S. immigration policies and ICE operations in particular. Over the past several years, he has used his platform to speak out about issues affecting Latino and immigrant communities.
During an interview with i-D magazine last month, the artist revealed that he deliberately excluded U.S. cities from portions of his 2024 tour, citing concerns that his fans — many of whom come from immigrant families — could face risks from federal authorities if ICE were to target large gatherings.
“There was the issue of — like, f***ing ICE could be outside [my concert],” Bad Bunny said. “And it’s something that we were talking about and very concerned about.”
The decision drew attention from both fans and critics, highlighting how cultural icons have increasingly become involved in social and political debates surrounding immigration, race, and national identity.
White House Emphasizes “Law and Order”
Lewandowski, who currently serves as an informal adviser to the Department of Homeland Security, framed his comments as part of a broader effort to restore “law and order” and deter unlawful entry into the United States.
He accused the National Football League of being “out of touch” with American values for selecting what he described as a “divisive” performer for such a high-profile national event.
“It’s shameful that they picked somebody who seems to hate America so much to represent them at the halftime show,” Lewandowski said. “We should be trying to be inclusive, not exclusive. There are plenty of great American entertainers who could have brought people together rather than dividing them.”
Lewandowski also reiterated that ICE would not be limiting its activities to border areas or specific regions but would continue nationwide operations in compliance with immigration law.
“If there are illegal aliens, I don’t care if it’s a concert for Johnny Smith or Bad Bunny or anybody else,” he continued. “We are going to do enforcement everywhere. We are going to make Americans safe. That is a directive from the president. If you’re in this country illegally, go home.”
A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security later clarified that while no specific enforcement operations have been publicly announced for the Super Bowl, the agency remains committed to pursuing “violent criminal illegal aliens” wherever they may be found.
“There is no safe haven for violent criminal illegal aliens in the United States,” the spokesperson said in a statement to Fox News.
Political and Cultural Reactions
The timing of Lewandowski’s comments — just after the NFL’s announcement — drew swift responses from across the political and entertainment spectrum.
Supporters of the Trump administration framed the remarks as a reaffirmation of America’s immigration laws and a message that no one is above enforcement, regardless of celebrity influence.
“Every country has borders. Every law needs enforcement,” conservative commentator Greg Foreman posted on X (formerly Twitter). “This is not about Bad Bunny; it’s about ensuring the law applies equally to everyone.”
Critics, however, viewed the comments as an attempt to intimidate immigrants and inject politics into one of the nation’s most celebrated entertainment events.
“Threatening ICE raids at the Super Bowl is reckless and unnecessary,” wrote political analyst Maria Hinojosa. “It’s a move meant to create fear among immigrant communities — not safety.”
Several civil rights groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), also expressed concern. In a statement, the organization said it would be “closely monitoring” any planned enforcement activity around major events and warned against “using cultural platforms to send political messages through fear.”
Bad Bunny’s Cultural Impact
Bad Bunny’s rise to international fame has been nothing short of meteoric. Since his breakout in the late 2010s, he has topped charts in multiple languages, collaborated with major global artists, and headlined stadiums across continents.
The 30-year-old artist is known not only for his musical versatility — blending reggaeton, trap, and pop — but also for his outspoken views on social justice, gender equality, and Latino identity. He often incorporates messages of empowerment and resistance into his music videos and public appearances.
His selection as the Super Bowl halftime performer marks a milestone for Latin music representation in one of the world’s most-watched broadcasts. NFL executives said they hope his appearance will celebrate cultural diversity and attract younger, international audiences to the event.
“Bad Bunny is one of the most influential artists of our time,” said an NFL spokesperson. “His energy, creativity, and global appeal align perfectly with the Super Bowl’s spirit of unity and celebration.”
Broader Implications
The controversy surrounding Lewandowski’s comments underscores how even entertainment events can become flashpoints in the larger national debate over immigration policy.
Under President Trump’s current administration, immigration enforcement has remained a top priority. In recent months, ICE and the Department of Homeland Security have introduced new measures to strengthen border control, increase deportations of undocumented individuals with criminal records, and tighten visa oversight.
Critics argue that the administration’s tone risks stigmatizing immigrant communities and discouraging cultural participation. Supporters counter that strong enforcement policies are necessary to maintain national security and the integrity of the legal immigration system.
Political analysts note that the situation may also reflect a broader cultural divide. “You’re seeing the intersection of politics and pop culture like never before,” said Professor Daniel Rosas, a political scientist at the University of Texas. “When a Super Bowl performer becomes part of a national immigration discussion, it shows how symbolic entertainment has become in shaping political narratives.”
Looking Ahead to Super Bowl LX
With the 2026 Super Bowl still months away, it remains unclear whether any immigration enforcement activity will take place around the event. DHS officials have not confirmed specific plans, and the NFL has declined to comment further on security coordination.
For now, the focus remains on the halftime show itself — and the growing anticipation surrounding Bad Bunny’s performance. The singer, who has yet to publicly respond to Lewandowski’s remarks, is expected to release new music early next year ahead of his Super Bowl appearance.
Whether the controversy will overshadow his performance or amplify his platform remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: the Super Bowl has once again become more than just a football game — it’s a reflection of the cultural and political tensions shaping America today.