Bad Bunny Cancels US Tour Over Fears of ICE Presence at Concerts

BAD BUNNY SKIPS THE U.S.: A CONCERT TOUR CANCELED OVER ICE CONCERNS As the lights dimmed at his sold-out show in Puerto Rico, Bad Bunny's voice boomed through the microphone, "¿Dónde está la gente?" (Where is everyone?) The crowd erupted into cheers as he launched into his hit single "Dakiti." But amidst the sea of adoring fans, a question hung in the air: why did this global superstar skip the continental United States on his latest tour? For Bad Bunny's devoted fan base, the answer was shrouded in mystery. Had he grown tired of the U.S. market? Was it a scheduling conflict? Or perhaps a creative burnout? But according to an interview with i-D published last week, the truth is far more complex – and deeply rooted in the singer's concerns about immigration. When asked by interviewer Suzy Exposito if his decision was out of concern for Latino fans, Bad Bunny responded candidly: "Man, honestly, yes. There were many reasons why I didn't show up in the U.S., and none of them were out of hate." He explained that his decision was tied to the Trump administration's recent mass deportations targeting Latinos – a move that sparked widespread outrage and fear within the community. Bad Bunny's concerns are not unfounded. Under the previous administration, ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) raids became increasingly common, leaving many in the Latino community living in constant fear of deportation. For Bad Bunny, who has long been an advocate for social justice and immigration reform, this was a deal-breaker. "Ive performed there many times," he said. "All of the shows have been successful. All of them have been magnificent." But the risks associated with touring in the U.S. were too great to ignore. By skipping the continental United States altogether, Bad Bunny aimed to protect not only himself but also his fans – many of whom are Latino and living in the U.S. Industry insiders point out that this decision is a bold statement on behalf of an artist who has built a career on connecting with fans across cultures and borders. "Bad Bunny's commitment to his community is unwavering," says music journalist, Juan Carlos Rodriguez. "He's not just a performer; he's a voice for the marginalized." For Bad Bunny, welcoming fans from around the world – including those from the U.S. who had never visited Puerto Rico before – was always part of the appeal of doing a residency on his native island. By choosing to perform in Puerto Rico, he aimed to create a safe space for his fans to connect with their heritage and culture. As Bad Bunny's No Me Quiero Ir de Aquí residency comes to a close next week after 30 sold-out shows, it's clear that this decision has paid off – not just financially but also in terms of cultural impact. By prioritizing the safety and well-being of his fans, Bad Bunny has sent a powerful message: art can be a force for change. As the lights dimmed on his final show, Bad Bunny's voice echoed through the crowd once more: "La música es la vida" (Music is life). For this global superstar, it seems that music – and activism – go hand in hand. *Based on reporting by Rollingstone.*