The announcement of Bad Bunny as the headliner for the 2026 Super Bowl Halftime Show has sparked vehement backlash from conservative circles within the U.S. government. Among the most vocal critics is Corey Lewandowski, advisor to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and former campaign manager for Donald Trump in 2016, who has issued a stark warning: ICE agents will be present at the event to "detain and deport" undocumented immigrants.
Lewandowski's Stern Warning: No Sanctuary at the Super Bowl
During a segment on the ultra-conservative podcast The Benny Show, Lewandowski was adamant that the nation’s most-watched sporting event would not be exempt from the stringent immigration policies of the Trump administration. "There's no sanctuary anywhere in this country for those here illegally. Not at the Super Bowl, or anywhere else," he declared emphatically.
He further elaborated, "We will find them. We will detain them. We will take them to a detention center and deport them. So, be aware that this is a very real situation under this Administration." His words serve as a thinly veiled threat aimed at the Latino and immigrant audience that might attend the show.
Targeting Bad Bunny: A Controversial Choice for Halftime
Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, has been the target of Lewandowski's ire. The Puerto Rican artist, who previously performed in the 2020 Super Bowl with Shakira and Jennifer Lopez, is set to headline in 2026. For Lewandowski, this is unacceptable: "It's a disgrace that they've chosen someone who seems to despise America to represent them during the game’s intermission."
The advisor did not hold back in his criticism of both the singer and the NFL, which he accused of being "too 'woke' for years."
The Ideological Battle Over Music Selection
Lewandowski argued that choosing Bad Bunny is "so embarrassing" because he believes there are "plenty of great bands and entertainers who could perform at that show and unite people, not divide them." He emphasized the need for inclusivity rather than exclusivity.
The DHS advisor maintained that immigration policies would be enforced without exception, even at events of this magnitude: "We will enforce the law everywhere. We will ensure the safety of Americans. That is the president's directive." He closed with a message to those residing without papers: "If you're in this country illegally, do yourself a favor: go home."
Fear of ICE: A Pre-existing Concern
Lewandowski's comments were in response to remarks by YouTuber Benny Johnson, who claimed Bad Bunny was hired for the Super Bowl "despite the fact that he refuses to tour in the U.S. because he fears ICE." Johnson described the artist as "a cross-dresser who hates America and ICE," adding, "He's Puerto Rican, backed Kamala Harris, and doesn't sing in English."
Bad Bunny has been open about his decision to exclude the U.S. from his world tour. In a recent interview, he explained, "There was the issue of ICE potentially being outside [my concert]. And it's something we were discussing and very concerned about." He clarified that this concern is not about hating America but about the safety of his audience.
"There have been many reasons why I haven't performed in the U.S., and none of them have been out of hate," he stated in a conversation with i-D magazine. "All the shows have been successful. I've enjoyed connecting with Latinos living in the U.S. But specifically, for a residency here in Puerto Rico, when we are an unincorporated territory of the United States... People from the U.S. could come here to see the show. But there was the issue of, damn, ICE could be outside. And that worried us a lot," said the Puerto Rican singer.
Celebration from the Stage, Rejection from the Power
The artist celebrated his Super Bowl participation with a message to his community: "This is for those who came before me and ran countless yards so I could come in and score a touchdown. This is for my people, my culture, and our history. Go tell your grandma that we will be the SUPER BOWL HALFTIME SHOW."
However, from the government apparatus, that narrative has been dismissed. Lewandowski stated that he doesn't care "if it's a concert by Johnny Smith, Bad Bunny, or anyone else," because they are "going to enforce the law everywhere."
For him, the fact that Bad Bunny is a U.S. citizen due to his Puerto Rican nationality is not enough to be accepted as a representative figure. "He's a fraud," Johnson reinforced, strengthening the notion that the artist does not deserve that platform.
Trumpism, Culture, and Deportation
The choice of Bad Bunny has not only triggered alarms within the government but also exposed a broader cultural battle. The opposition to the show being in Spanish, the criticism of his clothing or makeup in other performances, and his political activism have fueled a media storm driven by figures from the MAGA movement and conservative platforms.
Lewandowski made it clear that under the Trump administration, there would be no concessions, not even during the Super Bowl on February 8, 2026, in New Orleans. "That is a very real situation under this Administration," he said about the ICE operation.
Key Questions About Bad Bunny's Super Bowl Performance and ICE Presence
Why is Bad Bunny's selection for the Super Bowl controversial?
Bad Bunny's selection has drawn criticism from conservative circles who cite his political views, Puerto Rican nationality, and performances in Spanish as divisive. They argue he is not representative of American values.
What are Corey Lewandowski's concerns about the Super Bowl event?
Corey Lewandowski has expressed that the Super Bowl should not be a sanctuary for undocumented immigrants and has warned of ICE’s presence at the event to enforce immigration laws.
How has Bad Bunny responded to concerns about ICE?
Bad Bunny has stated that his concerns about ICE are related to the safety of his audience and not due to any animosity toward the United States. His decision to exclude the U.S. from his tour was based on these safety concerns.