In a move that has sparked significant debate, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents are set to be present at the upcoming Super Bowl.
This decision follows the National Football League's (NFL) selection of Bad Bunny, a fervent critic of ICE, to headline the halftime show. Corey Lewandowski, an adviser at the Department of Homeland Security, confirmed the agency's plans, highlighting the administration's commitment to enforcing immigration laws.
According to Breitbart, Bad Bunny has been vocal in his opposition to ICE and the Trump administration's immigration policies. The Puerto Rican artist had previously vowed not to perform in the United States, citing concerns for his fans' safety. "Honest, I cant risk the safety of my fans like that. Mainland America just doesnt feel necessary to me anymore," he stated before being chosen for the halftime performance.
Despite his earlier stance, Bad Bunny expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity, saying, "What Im feeling goes beyond myself. Its for those who came before me and ran countless yards so I could come in and score a touchdown this is for my people, my culture and our history."
In a recent interview with i-D Magazine, Bad Bunny shared his apprehensions about potential ICE raids at his U.S. concerts. "But there was the issue of like, fucking ICE could be outside [my concerts]. And its something that we were talking about and very concerned about," he remarked.
Nonetheless, the artist appears to have set aside these concerns in light of the NFL's invitation.
Lewandowski, speaking with Benny Johnson, emphasized the administration's unwavering stance on illegal immigration. "There is nowhere that you can provide safe haven to people in this country illegally. Not the Super Bowl and nowhere else," he asserted.
"We will find you. We will apprehend you. We will put you in a detention facility, and we will deport you. So know that that is a very real situation under this administration, which is completely contrary to what how it used to be."
The decision to feature Bad Bunny has drawn criticism from some quarters, with Lewandowski expressing disappointment over the NFL's choice. "Its so shameful that theyve decided to pick somebody who just seems to hate America so much to represent them at the halftime game," he lamented.
Reflecting on his own experience at the Super Bowl with President Trump, Lewandowski noted, "I was at the Super Bowl last year with President Trump. I had the chance to be in Louisiana in his box and watch the game, and got to enjoy that."
Lewandowski's comments underscore a broader sentiment that the halftime show should serve as a unifying event, rather than one that highlights division. "But listen, we should be trying to be inclusive and not exclusive. There are plenty of great bands and entertainment people out there who could be playing at that show that would be bringing people together and not separating them," he concluded.
As the Super Bowl approaches, the presence of ICE agents and the choice of halftime performer continue to fuel discussions on immigration and cultural representation in America.
Login