By Viviana Morales

On February 8, 2026, Grammy Award-winning Latin artist Bad Bunny (Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio) will be performing for the Super Bowl Halftime show at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. 

Although many fans celebrate this milestone for Latino representation in American media, the decision has sparked controversy among critics who oppose the artist’s outspoken political stances, particularly his public endorsement of presidential candidate Kamala Harris and his vocal criticism of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). 

Currently on his “Debi Tirar Mas Fotos” world tour, Bad Bunny is booked and busy until July 22, 2026, with stops in Mexico City, Lima, Medellin, Sao Paulo, and more. His absence from U.S. tour dates is deliberate, a choice he attributes to concern for his fans amid heightened ICE activity.  

“There were many reasons why I didn’t show up in the U.S., and none of them were out of hate,” Bad Bunny said, according to ABC News. “I’ve performed there many times. I’ve enjoyed connecting with Latinos who have been living in the United States.”

Bad Bunny has always embraced his Puerto Rican identity and used his platform to speak out on behalf of the Latin community, but his Super Bowl appearance may pose risks to fans in attendance.

“There is nowhere you can provide safe haven to people who are in this country illegally,” said senior adviser at the Department of Homeland Security Corey Lewandowski during Benny Johnson’s podcast. “Not the Super Bowl and nowhere else. We will find you and apprehend you and put you in a detention facility and deport you.” 

Ironically, since the year 1898, Puerto Rico has been part of the territory of the United States of America. Many political officials have been threatening to deport Bad Bunny and the people who listen to his music when many are already Americans.

Despite his full Spanish-language discography, many Latino fans in the U.S. see his Super Bowl performance as a moment of cultural pride for Puerto Rico on one of the largest stages.

“I’ve never heard of him,” President Trump said in a Newsmax interview. “I don’t know who he is. I don’t know why they’re doing it. It’s crazy. And then they blame it on some promoter that they hired to pick up entertainment. I think it’s absolutely ridiculous.”

Despite the controversy, many in the Latino community remain proud and energized by Bad Bunny’s upcoming performance. During a Saturday Night Live (SNL) episode that he took part in hosting, Bad Bunny addressed his critics and encouraged pride among supporters, all in Spanish. 

“Especially all of the Latinos and Latinas in the world, here in the United States who have worked to open doors,” Bad Bunny said. “More than just my achievement, it’s everyone’s achievement, proving that no one can ever erase the takeaway (Latino’s) mark and our contributions to this country.”

He closed his monologue with a message to those who don’t understand his speech: 

“If you didn’t understand what I just said, you have four months to learn.”