The Super Bowl isn’t just about football anymore—it’s about music, politics, and cultural statements.
This year, Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny has found himself at the center of a heated national conversation, weeks after his pointed remarks at the Grammys stirred controversy.
During the Grammys, where he won three awards including Album of the Year, Bad Bunny used his moment in the spotlight to criticize ICE.
“Before I say thanks to God, I’m going to say, ICE Out,” he declared, earning a standing ovation from the audience.
The artist passionately added, “We are not savage. We are not animals. We are not aliens. We are humans, and we are Americans.
The hate gets more powerful with more hate. The only thing stronger than hate is love. If we fight, we have to do it with love.”
NFL Chief Comments on the Grammy Controversy
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell addressed the situation at his annual Super Bowl press conference, treading carefully around the sensitive political issue.
He praised Bad Bunny as “one of the greatest artists in the world” and emphasized the power of the Super Bowl platform to bring people together.
“Artists like Bad Bunny understand that this stage is about uniting people with creativity and talent,” Goodell said.
“I believe he’ll have an incredible performance.”
His remarks were measured, focusing on the artistic side rather than the political uproar.
Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Performance Sparks Backlash
The announcement that Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, would headline the Super Bowl halftime show was made last September and immediately ignited controversy.
Critics, including high-ranking government officials, cited his past comments on U.S. immigration policies as a reason for concern.
Donald Trump publicly criticized the choice, even stating he would skip the game because of Bad Bunny’s selection.
The controversy intensified as ICE agents prepared to deploy in the Bay Area for Super Bowl week.
Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem promised strong enforcement, saying, “We’ll be all over that place,” while DHS reassured the public that legally present individuals had nothing to worry about.
Rising Tensions Ahead of Super Bowl Sunday
This year’s Super Bowl at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara comes amid a tense political climate following recent fatal shootings involving ICE officers in Minneapolis.
The deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Good sparked nationwide protests, with some federal officials accusing local authorities of not fully supporting law enforcement efforts.
Despite the unrest, reports indicate that ICE has no plans to conduct operations at the stadium or NFL events leading up to the game.
DHS, however, insists their presence around the Super Bowl will continue as planned.
Political Voices Weigh In
The debate over law enforcement and immigration at major events isn’t new.
Last year, Trump ally Corey Lewandowski warned, “There is nowhere that you can provide safe haven to people who are in this country illegally, not the Super Bowl, and nowhere else. We will find you, apprehend you, and deport you.”
Kristi Noem echoed that sentiment, urging attendees to avoid the event unless they are “law-abiding Americans who love this country,” reinforcing the message that federal law enforcement will be vigilant throughout Super Bowl week.
