Kristi Noem, the Governor of South Dakota, stated that immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will have a meaningful presence at the 2026 Super Bowl in response to Bad Bunny’s headlining performance. The announcement follows revelations that the artist deliberately excluded U.S. dates from his recent world tour,citing concerns over potential ICE activity and the impact of Trump-era deportation policies.
Bad Bunny’s decision to forgo concerts in the continental United States stemmed from anxieties regarding the aggressive deportation tactics employed during the Trump management, specifically targeting Latino communities. In an interview with i-D, the musician explained his apprehension, stating, “There was the issue of – like, fucking ICE could be outside [my concert]. And it’s something that we were talking about and very concerned about.” He emphasized that his previous U.S.performances had been successful and well-received, clarifying that his choice wasn’t motivated by animosity but by safety considerations for his fans.
Governor Noem’s pledge of heightened ICE security at the Super Bowl, hosted in 2026, directly addresses these concerns, signaling a commitment to enforcing immigration laws at large public events. This development arrives as Bad Bunny prepares to host the Season 51 premiere of Saturday Night Live tonight, with Doja Cat as the musical guest. The artist had previously voiced criticism of the Trump administration’s agenda, further contextualizing his decision to avoid U.S. tour dates. The situation highlights the intersection of entertainment, politics, and immigration policy, and raises questions about the security measures surrounding future large-scale events featuring artists with outspoken political views.
