Bad Bunny Cancels U.S. Tour Over ICE Concerns: Protecting Fans from Immigration Raids
Bad Bunny Spills Tea on Why He Snubbed the US Tour: ICE Fears and Fury Against Immigration Crackdown
The music industry has been abuzz with the news that Bad Bunny, the Puerto Rican superstar, deliberately skipped his sold-out world tour in the United States. In an explosive new interview with i-D magazine, the three-time Grammy Award winner dished on why he chose to prioritize safety over profits.
According to sources close to the artist, Bad Bunny's decision was not a publicity stunt or a snub to his devoted US fans. Instead, it was a calculated move born out of concern for the communities that attend his shows. "I've performed in the US many times before," he emphasized. "All of my shows have been successful and magnificent. But this time around, I had reasons not driven by hate or animosity toward the fans."
The 29-year-old rapper revealed that he and his team were worried about the potential for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to target his concerts. The possibility of ICE raids weighing heavily on his mind was a major factor in his decision.
"It's something we talked about a lot, and it really concerned us," Bad Bunny confessed. "I mean, who wants to be responsible for putting their fans in harm's way?"
This isn't the first time Bad Bunny has spoken out against ICE. Earlier this year, he shared a scathing Instagram story showing what appeared to be an ICE raid in Puerto Rico. The clip featured him ranting about the agency's activities and labeling them "sons of bs."
In June, Bad Bunny uploaded a profanity-laced video criticizing ICE's actions during their immigration crackdown on the island. He captioned it simply 'ice,' with many fans interpreting it as a bold statement against the agency.
The post came amid reports that ICE had arrested over 500 people since January, mostly Dominicans, in Puerto Rico alone. Roughly 75 percent of those detained did not have any criminal records, and the most common charge was reentry after deportation.
Bad Bunny's comments are part of a growing wave of backlash against ICE from fellow artists and celebrities. Pop star Becky G recently shared her outrage on Instagram, writing: "The people being attacked today are not 'illegal aliens,' they are human beings with RIGHTS. We must understand that an attack on them is an attack on OUR DEMOCRACY and an attack on what this country was made to stand for."
Other high-profile artists, including Maná, Eva Longoria, Kim Kardashian, Jenna Ortega, Addison Rae, and Finneas, have also condemned ICE's actions.
Longoria described the raids as "inhumane" and "hard to watch," while Kardashian said: "When we witness innocent, hardworking people being ripped from their families in inhumane ways, we have to speak up."
Meanwhile, Junior H, an eight-time platinum artist, took a strong stance against ICE's activities. He posted a statement on his Instagram page saying: "No one is illegal in stolen land" and announced that his fashion brand, Sad Boyz Clothing, would be donating proceeds to cover legal fees for families affected by the raids.
Bad Bunny's current Debí Tirar Más Fotos World Tour has been a massive success globally, with 57 shows across 23 cities worldwide. Despite skipping the US leg, fans from all over are still able to attend his concerts in countries like the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Mexico, and many more.
When asked about his decision not to tour the US, Bad Bunny made it clear that he's not snubbing his fans but rather prioritizing their safety. "People from the US can come here to see the show," he said. "Latinos and Puerto Ricans of the US can also travel here or to any part of the world."
Bad Bunny's bold move has sparked a heated debate in the music industry, with some critics accusing him of being "anti-American" while others hail him as a champion for social justice.
One thing is certain – Bad Bunny's commitment to using his platform for good will not be ignored.