Bad Bunny didn’t want ICE raiding his concerts: 2026 World Cup fans have similar concerns

Global superstar Bad Bunny has said he left the United States off his upcoming world tour because he feared Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) might target his concerts. In an interview with i-D, he admitted he was worried that, as a Latino musician, his fans could be subjected to raids. “Fucking ICE could be outside [my concert] … and I would be very concerned about that,” he said, adding that the agency’s stated goal of “3,000 minimum arrests a day” under Donald Trump’s administration was a major factor in his decision.

The singer, who has played in the U.S. before, stressed that he was not boycotting the country out of dislike, calling past shows there “magnificent,” but said the climate of fear since Trump’s re-election had made him reconsider. He also criticized ICE on Instagram, describing agents as “sons of bitches” for disrupting people’s livelihoods.

Notably, on Monday, September 8, the Supreme Court lifted a court order that had barred ICE agents from stopping or detaining people in Los Angeles based solely on speaking Spanish, having an accent, appearing Latino, working certain jobs or being in certain public locations. Civil rights groups warned this change effectively legalizes racial profiling.

ICE raids threatens the 2026 World Cup

Bad Bunny’s concerns echo broader fears that the wave of immigration raids could disrupt next summer’s World Cup, which will be staged in Mexico, Canada and the U.S. Matches are scheduled in 11 American cities, including Dallas, Miami, Los Angeles and the Bay Area, all places where ICE has recently carried out operations.

The anxiety extends beyond immigrant communities and is now affecting the hotel and tourism industry, which had expected a massive economic boost from the tournament. The U.S. Travel Association and other industry groups warn that visa delays and aggressive enforcement could deter international visitors.

Civil rights groups say racial profiling is another risk, with fans from Spanish-speaking countries potentially most affected. Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay and Uruguay have already qualified, and Spain is also likely to be at the finals. Meanwhile, Iran — another qualifier — is one of 19 countries affected by Trump’s 2025 travel ban.

The U.S. Travel Association told ESPN earlier this year it was worried about visitor numbers, citing visa wait times and what it called a growing perception abroad that travelers are not welcome in America.

In Miami, community groups demonstrated outside FIFA’s offices, urging the Trump administration to avoid “overzealous immigration enforcement” during the World Cup. Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have also written to FIFA demanding protections for fans against raids.

What has Trump said about welcoming fans to the World Cup?

President Donald Trump has repeatedly insisted that fans will be warmly welcomed when the United States co-hosts the 2026 World Cup. Standing alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino, he promised that “soccer fans from all over the globe” would be greeted with open arms and assured that every part of the U.S. government would work to guarantee a “seamless experience” for visitors. He has described it as an honor to host the tournament and even said he plans to attend matches himself, calling the World Cup “top-of-the-line.” At the same time, Trump and his task force have underlined that while America will welcome the world to celebrate the game, fans will be expected to abide by immigration rules and leave once their visas expire.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.