Trump Adviser Says ICE Agents Will Be Deployed at Bad Bunny’s 2026 Super Bowl Halftime Show, Sparking Debate Over Immigration Enforcement at Major Events
The Super Bowl halftime show has long been a space for entertainment, spectacle, and cultural moments that often dominate conversation long after the game itself. But this year, the announcement that Bad Bunny will headline the 2026 halftime show has taken an unexpected turn after a top adviser from Donald Trump’s circle confirmed that ICE agents will be present at the event. The statement, which quickly sparked headlines and debate, came from Corey Lewandowski, a political strategist closely tied to Trump’s 2016 and 2024 campaigns and now an active supporter of the Department of Homeland Security.
Lewandowski revealed that federal immigration agents will be at the stadium during Super Bowl LX, stating in blunt terms: “We will find you and apprehend you.” The remark has raised questions not only about security at the Super Bowl but also about the tone and scope of immigration enforcement in spaces traditionally focused on sports and entertainment.
For many, the idea of ICE agents patrolling one of America’s biggest cultural events is unsettling. The Super Bowl is not just a football game—it is one of the most watched television events in the world, drawing fans from all walks of life. The halftime show in particular has become an iconic stage where artists deliver performances that resonate across generations. Bad Bunny, one of the biggest global stars today, was expected to bring energy, celebration, and representation to the event. Now, his performance is set against the backdrop of heightened political tension.
It’s not the first time politics have collided with the Super Bowl, but this development carries unique weight. Immigration enforcement is a divisive subject in the United States, and linking it so explicitly to a music performance—especially one by a Puerto Rican artist—has fueled speculation about the symbolism at play. Puerto Ricans are American citizens, and Bad Bunny himself has often used his platform to speak about issues facing his community. While Lewandowski’s statement did not single out specific groups, critics argue that such rhetoric can create fear among immigrant communities attending or watching the event.
Supporters of the move frame it as a matter of security. Large-scale events like the Super Bowl already involve extensive coordination between federal, state, and local law enforcement to ensure public safety. From that perspective, the presence of ICE agents might be seen as just one more layer of security. However, the explicit framing—that agents will be actively seeking to “find and apprehend” people—has shifted the conversation. Instead of simply reassuring fans about safety, it has created an atmosphere of anxiety about who the real targets might be.
Bad Bunny himself has not yet made a public statement about Lewandowski’s remarks. Still, fans across social media are buzzing with reactions. Some worry that the announcement could overshadow what should have been a historic performance, while others express concern about the potential chilling effect for attendees. The Super Bowl is meant to be an inclusive celebration, a space where music, sport, and culture collide. But with ICE enforcement looming in headlines, the anticipation feels clouded by political undertones.
This development also adds a layer of unpredictability to the broader cultural narrative. Bad Bunny is known for pushing boundaries in his art, often weaving in commentary about identity, justice, and equality. If anything, Lewandowski’s comments may amplify interest in how the artist chooses to use his stage. The halftime show has always been a place for memorable statements, from Beyoncé’s nods to social justice to Shakira and Jennifer Lopez’s celebration of Latina culture. With the political spotlight now firmly on him, Bad Bunny’s performance could carry even more symbolic weight.
Ultimately, the presence of ICE agents at the 2026 Super Bowl raises bigger questions about how entertainment, politics, and enforcement intersect in today’s America. It underscores the fact that no stage, however glamorous or iconic, exists in a vacuum. As the world prepares to watch Bad Bunny command the biggest performance of his career, the reality is that millions will also be watching the political narratives swirling around him. Whether the focus lands on the music or the enforcement presence, one thing is certain: this Super Bowl halftime show will be remembered not only for its performance but for the conversation it ignited long before the first note was even played.
