Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem expressed her strong disapproval of the NFL’s choice of Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny for the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show.
“They lack conviction, but we will prevail. They’ll be restless, unsure of their beliefs and frailty. We’ll set things right,” Noem stated during a discussion with conservative podcaster Benny Johnson on Friday.
Noem confirmed the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents at the Super Bowl, set for February in Santa Clara, California.
“ICE will be at the venue since the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is tasked with its security. My role is to ensure everyone can enjoy the game and depart safely, which embodies American values,” Noem mentioned on Friday.
“We’ll be vigilant and enforce the law,” the DHS chief added. “Attendees should be law-abiding Americans who cherish this nation.”
The NFL has encountered criticism from conservative voices and MAGA supporters for its choice of Bad Bunny as the halftime performer. The artist revealed in an i-D Magazine interview his hesitance to perform in the mainland U.S., fearing potential ICE raids at his shows.
Earlier on Friday, the White House said there was “no tangible plan” to deploy ICE officers to the Super Bowl.
“As far as ICE being at the Super Bowl, as far as I’m aware there’s no tangible plan for that in store right now,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters. “However, of course this administration is always going to arrest and deport illegal immigrants when we find them if they are criminals. We’re going to do the right thing by our country.”
Corey Lewandowski, an adviser at DHS, indicated on Wednesday, while on “The Benny Show” that ICE raids will not be absent from the Super Bowl
“There is nowhere that you can provide safe haven to people in this country illegally. Not the Super Bowl and nowhere else,” Lewandowski said.
