Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem has criticized the NFL’s decision to name Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny as the 2026 Super Bowl halftime performer, calling the choice “sucks” and vowing that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents will be present at the event.
Noem made the remarks during an interview with conservative podcaster Benny Johnson, stating the NFL would face consequences for its decision. “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,” she said. “They won’t be able to sleep at night because they don’t know what they believe, and they’re so weak.”
The Homeland Security chief emphasized that ICE agents will patrol Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, where the Super Bowl is scheduled for February 8. “We’ll be all over that place,” Noem declared, adding that the agency aims to ensure “law-abiding Americans” attend the event.
Bad Bunny, whose music predominantly features Spanish lyrics, has avoided touring the U.S. due to fears of ICE raids at his concerts. His selection as the halftime performer has drawn criticism, with Noem framing the NFL’s choice as a failure to uphold national values. The Secretary also reiterated her stance that “people should not be coming to the Super Bowl unless there are law-abiding Americans who love this country.”
