Kristi Noem Vows ICE Will Be 'All Over' Super Bowl 2026
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has declared that Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents will be "all over" Super Bowl LX, following the National Football League's announcement that Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny will headline the halftime show. Noem made it clear that only "law-abiding Americans" should attend the event, setting a hard line on immigration enforcement at one of the country's biggest public gatherings.
Bad Bunny's Booking Sparks Backlash
Bad Bunny, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, is a 31-year-old Puerto Rican artist known worldwide for his Latin music and outspoken criticism of immigration policies, especially those from the Trump era. His selection as the Super Bowl halftime performer has angered many conservatives who see it as a political statement. The rapper himself has avoided touring the U.S. recently, citing fears of Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids at his concerts. He told i-D Magazine that "f---ing ICE could be outside [my concert]," as reported by The Daily Beast, showing fear about immigration enforcement at his shows.
Noem's Enforcement Promise
In an interview with conservative commentator Benny Johnson, Noem confirmed ICE agents will be present at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, where the Super Bowl will take place. She said the Department of Homeland Security is responsible for keeping the event safe and insisted that only "law-abiding Americans who love this country" should attend, as reported by PEOPLE. "We'll be all over that place," Noem said, emphasizing strict enforcement.
Noem also criticized the NFL's choice, calling the league "weak" and saying, "We'll win, and God will bless us, and we'll stand and be proud of ourselves at the end of the day. And they won't be able to sleep at night" over the decision," as reported by PEOPLE.
Trump Ally Backs Noem
Corey Lewandowski, a top adviser to Donald Trump, echoed Noem's stance on the same podcast. He said there is "nowhere you can provide safe haven to people who are in this country illegally. Not the Super Bowl and nowhere else," as reported by PEOPLE. Lewandowski warned that illegal immigrants will be found, detained, and deported under the current administration.
No US Tours
Bad Bunny's decision to skip U.S. tour dates because of ICE fears has added fuel to the fire. Stoking controversy, he recently told non-Spanish speakers in the U.S. they have "four months to learn" Spanish if they want to understand his performance at Super Bowl XL, as reported by PEOPLE. Meanwhile, critics mock the idea of turning a major sports event into an immigration crackdown. According to The Daily Beast, conservative commentator Megyn Kelly called the NFL's choice "a middle finger to MAGA," pointing to the deep political divide the booking has exposed.
White House Pushes Back
The White House has taken a different tone. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters there is "no tangible plan" for ICE enforcement specifically at the Super Bowl, as reported by The Guardian. She said the administration will continue to arrest and deport illegal immigrants who are criminals but stopped short of confirming any special operation tied to the event.
What's Next?
As the Super Bowl approaches, the difference between Noem's aggressive talk and the White House's measured stance will be closely watched. Bad Bunny's role highlights the growing influence of Latino culture in America, even as immigration enforcement remains a hot-button issue.
Noem's vow to flood the Super Bowl with ICE agents is a clear signal that immigration will be front and center during one of the nation's biggest events. Whether this translates into action or stays political theater is yet to be seen.
References: Kristi Noem Gloats She'll Unleash ICE at Super Bowl in MAGA Troll | Kristi Noem warns immigrants away from Super Bowl: 'We'll be all over that place' | Ice (US Immigration and Customs Enforcement) | ICE Will 'Be All Over' Bad Bunny's Super Bowl Halftime Show, Kristi Noem Says | Bad Bunny Claps Back at Critics of His Super Bowl Halftime Show Performance, Jokes Viewers 'Have 4 Months to Learn' Spanish
