Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents will be deployed at the Super Bowl on February 8, 2026, in Santa Clara, California, where Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny is set to headline the halftime show.
In an interview on Friday with conservative podcaster Benny Johnson on The Benny Show, Noem responded to a question about ICE enforcement at the event, stating, “There will be,” and that agents would be “all over” the Super Bowl.
BREAKING: DHS Secretary Kristi Noem CONFIRMS that ICE will be at the Super Bowl and enforcing at the Bad Bunny Halftime Show.
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) October 3, 2025
“We’ll be all over that place. We are going to enforce the law. You shouldn’t be coming to the Super Bowl unless you are a law abiding American citizen.”… pic.twitter.com/r4GbYd4CZZ
She emphasized that only “law-abiding Americans who love this country” should attend, adding that her role is to ensure attendees can “enjoy it and leave” safely.
Bad Bunny, born in Puerto Rico and known for hits like “MIA,” “I Like It,” and “Me Porto Bonito,” faced criticism from far-right commentators, including Johnson, after the NFL announced his performance.
Critics highlighted his Spanish-language music and vocal opposition to the Trump administration’s immigration policies, with Johnson labeling him a “massive Trump hater” on social media. Bad Bunny recently completed a 31-show residency in Puerto Rico and has cited fears of ICE targeting his fans as a reason for avoiding U.S. mainland performances, noting it was a significant concern in planning his tours.
Johnson suggested the NFL’s choice of Bad Bunny was a deliberate jab at the Trump administration. Noem responded dismissively, saying, “They suck and we’ll win and God will bless us.”
In a statement following the NFL’s announcement, Bad Bunny dedicated his performance to “those who came before me and ran countless yards so I could come in and score a touchdown,” emphasizing his Puerto Rican heritage and Latino culture.
Neither Bad Bunny’s representatives, the NFL, nor Roc Nation, the halftime show producer, responded to requests for comment.