Kristi Noem Threatens NFL With ICE Raids Over Bad Bunny Halftime Pick: ‘We’ll Be All Over That Place’

Kristi Noem
Kristi Noem Photo by FMT licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is slamming the NFL over its decision to feature Bad Bunny as the 2026 Super Bowl halftime act—and she’s suggesting ICE might show up with her.

“They’re a mess, we’re going to win, and God’s on our side,” Noem told conservative host Benny Johnson during a Friday interview. “We’ll stand tall and proud, while they’re left confused and weak. We’ll clean it up.”

Noem didn’t stop at criticism—she also said Immigration and Customs Enforcement will be present at the 2026 Super Bowl, set to take place in Santa Clara, California, that February.

“Absolutely, they’ll be there,” she said. “DHS is in charge of keeping the event secure, and it’s my duty to make sure people can enjoy the game and leave safely. That’s what this country stands for.”

She continued, “We’ll have a presence all over. It’s our job to enforce the law. If you’re not a law-abiding American who loves this country, maybe don’t show up.”

Bad Bunny, a Puerto Rican rapper and global star, has previously spoken out against U.S. immigration policies—a fact that’s drawn sharp criticism from conservative circles. Many right-wing voices and MAGA influencers claim his selection signals the NFL’s rejection of “traditional American values,” and Noem seems ready to turn that grievance into government policy.

The NFL has stayed quiet on Noem’s remarks, but the White House weighed in during a Friday press briefing.

“To my knowledge, there’s no official plan for ICE operations at the Super Bowl,” said White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt. “That said, if we come across undocumented immigrants who are also criminals, of course this administration will take action. We’re committed to doing what’s right for the country.”

Noem isn’t the only DHS official sounding the alarm. Trump ally and DHS adviser Corey Lewandowski echoed her stance on Johnson’s show earlier this week.

“You can’t provide sanctuary to people in this country illegally—not at the Super Bowl or anywhere else,” Lewandowski said.

So far, neither Bad Bunny nor the NFL has addressed the uproar. But if Noem follows through, the 2026 Super Bowl could be remembered as one of the most politically charged moments in league history—far beyond the game and halftime performance.