Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents will be present at the Super Bowl in San Francisco this February, according to Trump advisor Corey Lewandowski.
The official confirmed the deployment following controversy over halftime performer Bad Bunny’s stated concerns about ICE operations.
The announcement comes after the 31-year-old Puerto Rican artist made headlines for limiting his mainland United States tour appearances, citing fears that ICE agents could target attendees outside his concerts.
Bad Bunny had previously scheduled only one mainland US performance before being selected for the Super Bowl halftime show, per reports.
Lewandowski criticized the NFL’s choice of performer, stating his disapproval of the selection.
“It’s so shameful they picked someone who seems to hate America,” Lewandowski said.
The Trump advisor made clear that immigration enforcement would not be suspended for major sporting events.
Lewandowski stated, “There is nowhere you can provide safe haven to people who are in this country illegally. Not the Super Bowl and no where else.”
“We will find and deport you. That is a very real situation,”
Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, addressed his touring decisions on social media shortly before the NFL announced him as the Super Bowl performer.
The musician tweeted in Spanish about his plans to perform just one date in the United States after consulting with his team.
The selection sparked immediate reaction from conservative commentators and political figures.
Conservative podcaster Benny Johnson described Bad Bunny as a “massive Trump hater” and “anti-ICE activist,” while also criticizing the artist for not performing in English.
In an interview with Variety, Bad Bunny explained the reasoning behind his limited mainland US tour schedule.
He pointed to his lengthy residency in Puerto Rico, which is a US territory, and the Trump Administration’s expanded ICE operations as factors in his decision.
“Man, honestly, yes,” he replied when asked about ICE concerns.
“There were many reasons why I didn’t show up in the U.S., and none of them were out of hate —I’ve performed there many times.”
The artist elaborated on his positive history performing in the United States.
“All of (the shows) have been successful. All of them have been magnificent. I’ve enjoyed connecting with Latinos who have been living in the U.S.,” he said.
Bad Bunny explained his strategy of performing in Puerto Rico as an alternative venue.
“But specifically, for a residency here in Puerto Rico, when we are an unincorporated territory of the US… People from the US could come here to see the show. Latinos and Puerto Ricans of the United States could also travel here, or to any part of the world,” he stated.
The artist expressed direct concerns about immigration enforcement at his concerts.
“But there was the issue of — like, f*****g ICE could be outside (my concert). And it’s something that we were talking about and very concerned about,” he said.
Lewandowski doubled down on the administration’s enforcement policies regardless of the NFL’s performer selection.
“I don’t care if it’s a concert for Johnny Smith or Bad Bunny or anybody else. We’re going to do enforcement everywhere. We are going to make Americans safe,” he said.
“That is a directive from the president. If you’re in this country illegally, do yourself a favor: go home.”
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