Super Bowl LX took on a historic and politically charged atmosphere as Bad Bunny delivered the first primarily Spanish-language halftime show in NFL history. Performing at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, the Puerto Rican superstar used his 13-minute set to weave a complex narrative of Latin pride and resistance.
The timing of the show intensified an ongoing halftime war between the NFL and conservative critics. While Bad Bunny did not repeat his “ICE out” slogan during the live broadcast, the stadium was filled with symbols that fans interpreted as a direct response to current immigration policies.
The performance reached a fever pitch during the finale, where Bad Bunny appeared to challenge the traditional definition of American. By showcasing flags from across North and South America, he framed the continent as a shared home rather than a divided territory.
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Bad Bunny Sparks Political Firestorm With “Puerto Rico Is Not For Sale” Halftime Message
One of the most talked-about moments of the night was the deep-rooted symbolism regarding Puerto Rico’s status as a U.S. territory. Throughout the set, Bad Bunny incorporated visual cues that echoed the “Puerto Rico Is Not For Sale” movement.
The stage design also featured a nod to Puerto Rico’s chronic infrastructure issues, specifically the frequent power outages that have plagued the island. At one point, dancers mimicked a struggle to fix exploding transformers on stage, a pointed reminder of the energy crisis that many on the island blame on government neglect.
The message was further solidified at the end of the show when Bad Bunny held up a football emblazoned with the phrase “Together, We Are America.” While some saw this as a call for unity, others viewed it as a radical assertion that Latin Americans and Puerto Ricans are just as American as those on the mainland.
Defiant Halftime Set Features Symbolic Protests Against Federal Agencies And ICE
Despite warnings from critics that he should stick to music, Bad Bunny’s set was layered with subtle protests against the federal crackdown on immigration. Although he chose his words carefully to avoid a direct fine from the NFL, he incorporated a television screen on stage that replayed his Grammy acceptance speech.
The set also included a powerful moment where the artist handed a trophy to a young boy, a gesture many interpreted as a tribute to children affected by recent immigration raids. This symbolic act was paired with the message “The only thing more powerful than hate is love,” which flashed across the massive stadium screens.
The reaction to these symbolic protests has been deeply polarized. Conservative groups, including Turning Point USA, used the performance as a rallying cry for their All-American alternative show, while the White House issued a statement calling the performance terrible. However, for many in the Latino community, the sight of Bad Bunny waving the Puerto Rican flag high above the field was a moment of unprecedented visibility.
Published: Feb 9, 2026 10:56 am