Katie Porter Criticized for Bizarre Bad Bunny Super Bowl Comments

The embattled California gubernatorial candidate attacked ICE operations ahead of the big game.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Embattled California gubernatorial candidate Katie Porter made a controversial statement on social media criticizing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations ahead of the Super Bowl, where Latin rap superstar Bad Bunny was set to perform during the halftime show. Porter's posts were met with backlash from both Democrats and Republicans, with some accusing her of trying to generate publicity for her struggling campaign.

Why it matters

Porter's comments about ICE not being welcome at the Super Bowl were seen as a politically charged attempt to appeal to certain voter demographics, particularly fans of Bad Bunny. However, the NFL later confirmed that there were no planned ICE enforcement activities at the event. Porter's bid for California governor has faced challenges, with recent videos surfacing that showed her in an unflattering light.

The details

In her posts on X (formerly Twitter), Porter wrote: 'A Super Bowl PSA: In California, our immigrant neighbors (and all Bad Bunny fans) are welcome. Armed, untrained federal agents harassing, kidnapping, and hurting innocent people are not.' She also called for ICE to be 'out of California' and for the agency to be 'abolished.' Porter's comments were met with criticism from both Democrats and Republicans, with some accusing her of self-interest and not representing all Californians. Despite Porter's claims, the NFL's chief security officer confirmed that there were no planned ICE enforcement activities at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara for the Super Bowl.

  • On Saturday, February 8, 2026, Porter made her controversial comments on X.

The players

Katie Porter

A former U.S. Congresswoman and the embattled Democratic candidate for California governor.

Bad Bunny

A Puerto Rican rapper and singer who was set to perform during the Super Bowl halftime show.

Gavin Newsom

The current governor of California, who trolled former President Donald Trump over Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime performance.

Cathy Lanier

The NFL's chief security officer, who confirmed that there were no planned ICE enforcement activities at the Super Bowl.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“There are no planned ICE enforcement activities. We are confident of that.”

— Cathy Lanier, NFL Chief Security Officer (Press conference)

The takeaway

Porter's comments about ICE at the Super Bowl were seen as a politically charged attempt to appeal to certain voter demographics, particularly fans of Bad Bunny. However, her statements were met with backlash from both Democrats and Republicans, and the NFL later confirmed that there were no planned ICE enforcement activities at the event. This incident highlights the ongoing political tensions and challenges facing Porter's gubernatorial campaign in California.