Anti-ICE Protesters Disrupt Super Bowl Access Ahead of Bad Bunny's Halftime Performance
Hundreds of anti-ICE protesters have blocked roads in close proximity to the Super Bowl stadium, creating significant disruptions just prior to Bad Bunny's highly anticipated halftime show. Video footage captured demonstrators marching through the streets surrounding Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, as it hosted the championship game between the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots on Sunday.
Political Inspiration from Bad Bunny's Grammy Speech
Protesters were seen waving banners prominently displaying the message 'ICE OUT,' a direct reference to the political statement made by Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny during his Grammy Awards acceptance speech last week after winning Album of the Year. Lead organizer Shasti Conrad confirmed that the group had been partially inspired by the artist, who performed during the Super Bowl LX halftime show.
'The Super Bowl represents one of the most powerful cultural moments in the entire country, where music, competition, and identity all converge,' Conrad stated. 'We have witnessed at events like the Golden Globes and the Grammys how artists including Bad Bunny are utilizing these prominent stages to communicate something more significant about who we are and what we stand for.'
Conrad elaborated further, explaining that 'this action builds directly upon that existing momentum. Culture frequently leads politics, and moments such as this demonstrate how people are employing joy, creativity, and visibility to push back against ICE and demand a nation that genuinely lives up to its promise to welcome immigrants.'
Political Backlash and Alternative Events
This protest activity occurs following former President Donald Trump's announcement that he would be skipping this year's Super Bowl due to the decision to feature Bad Bunny at halftime. White House press secretary Leavitt was questioned regarding whether Trump's Mar-a-Lago watch party would tune in to Bad Bunny's performance or instead watch Kid Rock, who performed at Turning Point USA's separate halftime show.
Leavitt responded clearly, stating: 'I believe the president would significantly prefer a Kid Rock performance over Bad Bunny. I must emphasize that point.'
A group identified as Contra-ICE distributed approximately 25,000 white towels branded with the words 'ICE OUT' around the stadium for fans to wave during the game. Demonstrators waved additional banners reading 'ICE out of the Super Bowl' as they vocally called for lawmakers to 'abolish' the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency entirely.
Atmosphere and Artist Responses
Despite the protests, the atmosphere remained relatively relaxed approximately three hours before the game's commencement, with fortunate ticket holders enjoying the celebratory party atmosphere leading up to kickoff. The Puerto Rican rapper, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, has remained notably coy regarding whether he will repeat his anti-ICE stance during the actual halftime show.
He did not directly address the MAGA backlash against his impending performance during a Super Bowl press conference in San Francisco earlier this week but insisted confidently that 'the world will be happy' after his 13-minute show concludes. 'The world is going to be happy this Sunday, as well as the entire country,' he declared. 'There are numerous people who love me globally, not exclusively Latino individuals.'
Bad Bunny reflected on the significance of his performance, noting: 'To be on the most substantial stage in the world represents something I never imagined possible. You must consistently remain proud of who you are and feel comfortable being yourself, taking pride in your history and origins without allowing that to limit your potential.'
Additional Performers and Political Context
Another band with anti-MAGA sentiments, Green Day, performed during the pre-game show. Earlier in the week, lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong publicly criticized the Trump administration during a concert and has previously altered lyrics to their hit song 'American Idiot' to state: 'I'm not part of a MAGA agenda.'
Trump himself has vehemently criticized the selection of both Bad Bunny and Green Day, asserting that they will 'sow hatred.' He is not attending the California showdown, despite last year becoming the first sitting president in U.S. history to attend the Super Bowl when it was held in New Orleans.
The right-wing political organization Turning Point USA organized an alternative 'All-American Halftime Show' featuring artists including Kid Rock. Regarding the football game itself, the Seahawks entered as favorites to defeat the Patriots, who made their first Super Bowl appearance since the dominant era of quarterback Tom Brady.
