Kristi Noem Warns ICE to Crack Down on 2026 Super Bowl Security Amid NFL's Bad Bunny Halftime Show Controversy

Kristi Noem Warns ICE Will Be "All Over" 2026 Super Bowl, Slams NFL for Naming Bad Bunny Halftime Headliner In a recent video on Benny Johnson's YouTube channel, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents will be present at the 2026 Super Bowl, where Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny is set to perform as the halftime headliner. Noem stated, "I have the responsibility for making sure everybody who goes to the Super Bowl has the opportunity to enjoy it and to leave, and that's what America's about. So yeah, we'll be all over that place. We're going to enforce the law." The announcement comes as a response to Trump adviser Corey Lewandowski's earlier statement on Wednesday that ICE would be in attendance during the big game. Bad Bunny's selection as halftime headliner has sparked controversy, with some critics accusing the NFL of promoting "un-American" values by choosing an artist who has been associated with left-wing politics. Noem echoed these sentiments, slamming the NFL for its decision. "I think people should not be coming to this country and performing at our Super Bowl if they're going to promote anti-American values," she said. The 2026 Super Bowl is set to take place in a yet-to-be-announced location, with Bad Bunny's performance expected to draw significant attention from fans and critics alike. Background Context Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, has been a vocal advocate for social justice and LGBTQ+ rights. His music often incorporates elements of Latinx culture and politics, which some have interpreted as "un-American." The NFL's decision to choose Bad Bunny as halftime headliner has sparked debate among fans and critics, with some arguing that the selection is a nod to the league's efforts to diversify its audience. International Perspectives In an interview with Reuters, a spokesperson for the NFL stated that the league is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion through its programming. "We believe that Bad Bunny's music and message align with our values of unity and celebration," the spokesperson said. Meanwhile, some international observers have expressed concern about Noem's comments, which they see as an attempt to politicize a cultural event. "This kind of rhetoric is not only divisive but also reflects poorly on the United States' reputation for welcoming diversity and promoting artistic expression," said Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a cultural studies expert at the University of Madrid. Current Status and Next Developments The 2026 Super Bowl is still over two years away, but the controversy surrounding Bad Bunny's selection as halftime headliner has already sparked heated debate among fans and critics. As the event approaches, it remains to be seen how Noem's comments will impact the league's efforts to promote diversity and inclusion through its programming. One thing is certain: the 2026 Super Bowl promises to be a cultural spectacle unlike any other. *Reporting by Hollywoodreporter.*