Bad Bunny at the Super Bowl shakes Republican nerves and exposes political fractures over immigration

The performance of Puerto Rican Bad Bunny at Super Bowl LX has become a focus of political attention, generating concern among Republican legislators. According to analysts, the musical star, an outspoken critic of President Donald Trump’s immigration policies, could influence the perception of Latino voters before the midterm elections.

The show by the global artist, known for speaking mostly Spanish and criticizing the Trump administration’s repression, coincides with the decline in the president’s approval on key issues such as immigration and the economy, pillars of his victory in 2024.

DECLINE IN REPUBLICAN SUPPORT

Recent polls show that only 34% of voters approve of the way authorities apply immigration policy, six points less than weeks ago, according to Quinnipiac. Meanwhile, more than half of Latinos feel that raids have occurred in their community since Trump took office, according to the Pew Research Center.

“A growing percentage of Latinos say they are worried about the deportation of someone they know or even themselves,” said Mark Lopez, Pew research director.

INTERNAL REPUBLICAN CRITICISM

Even some Republicans acknowledge that the ICE operations were excessive.

“We should have focused on criminals and gang members, not grandmothers. It was a mistake,” declared Carlos Giménez, Republican congressman from Florida.

Meanwhile, the White House has taken steps to calm the tension, including the withdrawal of 700 ICE agents in Minnesota, the implementation of body cameras for officers and changes in local security management.

LATINO POLITICAL IMPACT

Strategist Mike Madrid pointed out that Trump’s immigration and economic policies are alienating blocks of Latino voters:

“The two strengths he had to build a multiracial coalition have not only collapsed, but have consolidated against him.”

Governor Ron DeSantis warned about the loss of support in Texas and the need for Republicans to be “lucid about the political environment heading into the midterm elections.”

Bad Bunny, for his part, has declared:

“We are not savages, we are not animals, we are not extraterrestrials. We are humans and we are Americans,” remembering that their music also has a social message and denunciation.