Introduction to the Super Bowl 2026 Controversy
The secretary of the Ministry of Homeland Protection, Kristi Noem, has announced that ICE will have a significant presence at the Super Bowl 2026. This announcement has sparked controversy and raised concerns among fans and performers alike.
The Announcement
During a recent appearance on Benny Johnson’s podcast, Noem stated that ICE will be "everywhere in this place" and intends to "enforce" the law at the NFL championship. The half-time show for the event will feature Bad Bunny, a popular artist who has spoken out about his concerns regarding ICE presence at his concerts.
Ensuring a Safe and Enjoyable Experience
Noem emphasized her responsibility to ensure that everyone attending the Super Bowl has a safe and enjoyable experience. She stated, "I have the responsibility to ensure that everyone who’s going to the Super Bowl has the opportunity to enjoy and go. And that’s what America is about." However, she also made it clear that only "lawful Americans who love this country" should attend the event.
Response to the NFL and Bad Bunny
When asked if she had a message for the NFL, which booked Bad Bunny for the half-time show, Noem responded with a strong statement. She said, "They suck and we will win and God will bless us. We will be proud of ourselves at the end of the day, and they will not be able to sleep at night because they don’t know what they believe and they are so weak. We will repair it."
ICE Presence at the Super Bowl
Trump’s former campaign manager, Corey Lewandowski, was the first to announce that ICE would be present at the Super Bowl. He stated, "Nowhere is there people who are illegal to provide people who are illegal in this country. Not the Super Bowl and nowhere else. We will find them, capture them and put them in a prison and deport them." This announcement has raised concerns among fans and performers, particularly those who are undocumented or have concerns about ICE presence.
Bad Bunny’s Concerns
In an interview, Bad Bunny expressed his concerns about ICE presence at his concerts. He stated, "Damn ice could be outside [my concert]. And it is something that we talked about and that we were very concerned about." He also mentioned that he has performed in the USA many times and has enjoyed connecting with Latinos who live there. However, he has chosen to focus on his residency in Puerto Rico, where fans from the USA can attend his shows without the risk of ICE presence.
