Bad Bunny, the superstar performer, is particularly popular among Latinos in the Americas. He has been confirmed for the Super Bowl halftime show. But, there might be another surprise guest: Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Here’s what is being discussed and what you should do if you encounter immigration officers at public events.
‘No Place for Shelter’
The announcement that Bad Bunny will perform at the iconic Super Bowl halftime show came as a surprise to many, as the artist had previously avoided performing in the U.S. The Grammy-winning artist has been outspoken in his stance against current immigration policy and raids, stating that he would not hold concerts in the mainland U.S. because “freaking ICE could be outside [my concert]. That was something we talked about and were very concerned about.” Instead, his shows are held in Puerto Rico.
This is not unreasonable. ICE agents can appear at any event, game, or show, as well as other public spaces, and request to see documents from anyone they believe could potentially be in the U.S. unlawfully.
During a podcast, Department of Homeland Security adviser Corey Lewandowski was asked if ICE would be present at the NFL championship game. He didn’t exactly say yes, but said that “there’s no place where people who are here illegally can be given shelter, not at the Super Bowl or anywhere,” and that they would find and deport those living illegally in the U.S.
The Super Bowl will be held in February in Santa Clara, California. The state has been a focus for immigration raids since the Trump administration highlighted the large number of alleged undocumented immigrants living there. A recent Supreme Court ruling reversed an injunction from lower courts that had prohibited such operations in central California if they were based on race, language, or occupation. For now, ICE raids based on these factors are allowed to continue.
That being said, the average price for the 2025 Super Bowl exceeded $6,000 per ticket. The Super Bowl seems an unlikely target of an ICE raid, regardless of who is performing. However, the lead-up to the big event could certainly involve numerous federal immigration enforcement actions for both residents and visitors to the U.S. If you are visiting California (or any other U.S. state) as a tourist, carrying your passport with you at all times is a good idea, even if you came to the U.S. through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) program. If that is the case, your passport will be linked to your application. For all others, it’s a good idea to carry a copy of your I-94 visa with you.
What Can I Do if ICE Detains Me at a Public Event?
If an immigration officer asks for your papers, saying you are not a U.S. citizen could itself be grounds for deportation. As an immigrant, you are required to carry identification proving your legal immigration status. This is mandated by the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), Section 264(e): “Every alien eighteen years of age and over must at all times carry with them and have in their personal possession any certificate of alien registration or alien registration card issued to them (...).”
This law has only recently become strictly enforced. Not having your green card or a valid nonimmigrant visa could result not only in fines but also in the risk of being detained by officers who might believe you have no legal status.
As a U.S. citizen, you are not required by any federal law to prove your immigration status in an encounter with ICE officers. You can clearly state that you are a U.S. citizen, and that should be sufficient.
However, due to the risk of wrongful detentions, it might make sense to carry an official ID, such as your passport or a copy of your birth certificate — especially if your appearance or accent might raise suspicion.
Recently, there was the case of a 79-year-old grandfather who sued ICE after agents entered his car wash business in California and threw him to the ground so violently that they fractured his ribs. During the operation, he and his five employees were detained.
The man, born in Iran but naturalized as a U.S. citizen in 1980, spent 12 hours in detention until it was confirmed that he was indeed a citizen and was released. He is now suing for $50 million, claiming violations of his civil and constitutional rights.
Which Lawyer Do I Call?
If you are an immigrant experiencing issues related to your immigration status, it is advisable to consult with an immigration attorney. However, if you are a citizen detained by immigration agents, a civil rights attorney may be able to file a claim, such as violations of your Fourth Amendment right against unreasonable search and seizure, due process under the Fifth Amendment, and equal protection under the Fourteenth Amendment.
Related Resources
- Nonimmigrant Visas (FindLaw's Learn About the Law)
- The Massive Increases for H-1B Visa Workers, Explained (FindLaw's Law and Daily Life)
- Lesser Crimes May Now Lead to Denaturalization (FindLaw's Law and Daily Life)
