Santa Clara, CA — The buildup to Super Bowl LX just got more political than anyone expected. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has confirmed plans to deploy agents to the 2026 game in Santa Clara, California, following controversial remarks from Trump adviser Corey Lewandowski targeting halftime headliner Bad Bunny.
Trump Adviser Slams NFL’s Halftime Pick
Lewandowski, a longtime political strategist who worked on both Trump’s 2016 and 2024 campaigns, went on right-wing host Benny Johnson’s show to rail against the NFL’s decision to book the Puerto Rican superstar.
Calling the choice “shameful,” Lewandowski claimed the league overlooked “plenty of other bands” who could have taken the stage instead.
But his criticism didn’t stop there. He warned that ICE agents would be present at Super Bowl LX, making it clear that even the biggest sporting event in the country wouldn’t be a “safe haven” for undocumented immigrants.
“If you’re in this country illegally, do yourself a favor: go home,” Lewandowski said.
“That is a directive from the president. We will find you. We will apprehend you. We will put you in a detention facility, and we will deport you.”
ICE Confirms Presence at Super Bowl
Shortly after his comments, ICE issued a statement to TMZ, confirming that federal agents will indeed be part of the event’s security detail.
“There is no safe haven for violent criminal illegal aliens in the United States,” the agency said.
While ICE did not disclose specifics, it’s believed agents will be stationed throughout Santa Clara during the entire week of Super Bowl festivities, not just during the game.
Why Bad Bunny Is at the Center of This
Bad Bunny’s selection for the halftime show was historic — marking one of the few times a Puerto Rican artist has been given the coveted slot. But it also reignited debates around immigration and representation.
The Grammy-winning artist has previously stated he avoids U.S. tours to sidestep potential ICE harassment of immigrant communities. That context has added weight to this year’s controversy.
Despite political pushback, Bad Bunny embraced the moment, framing it as a victory for Puerto Rican and Latino culture.
“What I’m feeling goes beyond myself,” he said in a statement.
“It’s 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.”
The Stakes for Super Bowl LX
- Security spotlight: With ICE confirmed on the ground, the Super Bowl may become a flashpoint in the immigration debate.
- NFL caught in the crossfire: The league faces mounting political pressure over its halftime selection.
- Cultural significance: Bad Bunny’s performance is already one of the most talked-about in recent Super Bowl history — months before kickoff.
What Comes Next
Super Bowl LX is scheduled for February 2026 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. As the game approaches, attention may be as much on the political showdown as the action on the field.
Whether ICE’s presence will overshadow Bad Bunny’s historic performance remains to be seen — but one thing is clear: this halftime show will be one of the most charged, watched, and debated in NFL history.
Stay with The Pop Radar for live updates on Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl performance, ICE’s plans, and all the breaking celebrity news leading into the big game.
