As the countdown to Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, accelerates, the focus has shifted sharply from football to controversy. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s recent comments have set off a political storm, intertwining the worlds of sports, entertainment, and law enforcement ahead of the NFL’s biggest annual spectacle. With Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny slated as the halftime performer and federal authorities promising a strong law enforcement presence, this Super Bowl is shaping up to be one for the history books—though perhaps not for the reasons fans would expect.
On October 3, 2025, Secretary Noem made headlines during an interview with conservative podcaster Benny Johnson, vowing that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents will be “all over that place” for the upcoming Super Bowl in February 2026. Her message was unequivocal: “There will be because the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is responsible for keeping it safe, so I have the responsibility for making sure everybody goes to the Super Bowl, has the opportunity to enjoy it and to leave, and that’s what America is about,” Noem told Johnson. “So yeah, we’ll be all over that place, and I can. We’re going to enforce the law.”
Noem’s remarks were not limited to security. She took direct aim at the NFL’s decision to feature Bad Bunny, a three-time Grammy-winning reggaeton artist, as the halftime headliner. “Well, they suck, and 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 because they don’t know what they believe, and they’re so weak, we’ll fix it,” she said. The comments, laced with political overtones, have only intensified the scrutiny surrounding the league’s entertainment choices and the broader climate at this year’s Super Bowl.
The controversy was already simmering before Noem’s statements. Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, has been vocal about his concerns regarding ICE raids at his concerts. Last month, he told i-D Magazine, “But there was the issue of — like, f---ing ICE could be outside [my concert]. And it’s something that we were talking about and very concerned about.” His apprehension led him to announce he would not perform on the U.S. mainland during his upcoming tour, a decision that sparked widespread discussion about the intersection of music, immigration policy, and safety for fans.
Bad Bunny’s selection as the halftime performer has drawn sharp criticism from conservative commentators and MAGA influencers, who argue that the NFL is prioritizing global star power at the expense of American values. MAGA world erupted after the announcement, with social media ablaze and fans debating the league’s motives. Some, like Trump advisor Corey Lewandowski, have doubled down on the administration’s intent. “There is nowhere you can provide safe haven to people who are in this country illegally. Not the Super Bowl and nowhere else,” Lewandowski said on “The Benny Show.” He added, “We will find you and apprehend you and put you in a detention facility and deport you. Know that this is a very real situation under this administration, which is contrary to how it used to be.”
For Noem, the Super Bowl is more than just a game—it’s a reflection of national pride and law-abiding behavior. She underscored this in her interview, saying, “People should not be coming to the Super Bowl unless they are law-abiding Americans who love this country.” Noem’s approach is clear: safety and patriotism are at the forefront, and the DHS will have a visible, hands-on enforcement presence throughout the event.
The NFL, for its part, finds itself in a precarious position. The league has long thrived on the spectacle of the halftime show, using it to draw massive global audiences and showcase star talent. Yet, this year’s selection has forced the NFL to navigate a complex web of cultural, political, and security concerns. The league has not issued a formal response to the controversy, but Commissioner Roger Goodell had previously teased the possibility of pop superstar Taylor Swift headlining, telling the TODAY Show, “We would always love to have Taylor play. She is a special, special talent, and obviously she would be welcome at any time.” Ultimately, the choice of Bad Bunny—who currently ranks as the second-most streamed artist globally on Spotify, just behind Swift—speaks to the NFL’s ambition to capture diverse and international audiences.
Bad Bunny’s own words offer insight into the balancing act faced by artists and organizers alike. In a recent interview with Variety, he explained, “There were many reasons why I didn’t show up in the US, and none of them were out of hate — I’ve performed there many times. All of (the shows) have been successful. All of them have been magnificent. I’ve enjoyed connecting with Latinos who have been living in the US. But specifically, for a residency here in Puerto Rico, when we are an unincorporated territory of the US… People from the US could come here to see the show. Latinos and Puerto Ricans of the United States could also travel here, or to any part of the world. But there was the issue of — like, f*****g ICE could be outside (my concert). And it’s something that we were talking about and very concerned about.”
The political undertones of this year’s Super Bowl extend beyond the halftime show. The White House, seeking to clarify the situation, stated on October 3, 2025, that there was “no tangible plan” to deploy ICE officers to the Super Bowl, though the administration maintains that it will arrest and deport illegal immigrants if they are criminals. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters, “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. 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.”
As the big game approaches, fans and players alike are left to navigate an atmosphere charged with political rhetoric and heightened security. The NFL, already under the microscope for its entertainment choices, must now contend with federal oversight and public debate about national identity, immigration, and the role of sports in American culture. Meanwhile, Bad Bunny’s performance—or potential absence—looms large, symbolizing the broader cultural and political crossroads at which the Super Bowl now stands.
With federal authorities monitoring the stadium and discussions over performer choices dominating headlines, Super Bowl LX promises to be remembered for more than just touchdowns and halftime spectacle. The collision of sports, politics, and entertainment has never been more evident, and as kickoff nears, all eyes remain fixed on Santa Clara, where the stakes have never felt higher.
