WASHINGTON — Kristi Noem, the Homeland Security Secretary, expressed that NFL executives will face sleepless nights following their choice of Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny to headline the Super Bowl halftime show in 2026. Bad Bunny had previously refrained from performing in the United States this year as a form of protest against President Trump’s immigration policies.
Noem mentioned that agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will be on site during the performance, raising concerns about the rapper’s earlier refusal to perform in front of American audiences due to fears of deportation.
“They’re ineffective, and we’ll prevail, with God’s blessing, and we will hold our heads high in the end,” Noem stated during an interview with conservative commentator Benny Johnson last Friday. “They won’t sleep well, as they struggle with their beliefs and show weakness, which we will address.”
“The Department of Homeland Security is responsible for ensuring safety at the event,” she continued, referring to the Super Bowl set for Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. “My duty is to guarantee that everyone attending enjoys the event and can leave safely, which embodies what America represents.”
“We will uphold the law,” said the DHS leader. “I believe that attendance at the Super Bowl should be limited to law-abiding Americans who cherish this country.”
Earlier in the day, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt noted that there was “no concrete plan” for ICE to be present at the Super Bowl.
According to Leavitt, “Currently, there is no concrete plan for ICE’s involvement at the Super Bowl.” This was stated during a White House press briefing.
“Nonetheless, this administration will continue to detain and deport illegal immigrants identified as criminals. We are committed to doing what is right for our country,” she added.
Bad Bunny, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, expressed in a September 10 interview with i-D magazine that he was apprehensive about the impact of deportations aimed at Latinos during the Trump administration at his concerts.
“I enjoyed connecting with Latinos living in the U.S.,” he mentioned.
“The reality was that ICE could be lurking outside [my concert],” the rapper added, expressing the concern that had been discussed. “It was a significant worry for us.”
