CBS News Falsely Linked Bad Bunny's Super Bowl Performance to ICE Raids

The network spread misinformation about the Puerto Rican singer's decision to not perform in the continental U.S.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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CBS News reporter Lilia Luciano falsely claimed that Puerto Rican singer Bad Bunny refused to perform in the continental United States due to fears of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids. However, as fact-checker Jorge Bonilla pointed out, Bad Bunny had secured his Puerto Rico residency dates two years in advance, during the Biden administration when there were no ICE raids. The network's segment also falsely identified a child featured in Bad Bunny's performance as Liam Ramos, an abandoned child, when it was actually an actor.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing problem of mainstream media outlets spreading misinformation, particularly when it comes to politically charged topics like immigration enforcement. It also demonstrates the importance of fact-checking and holding media accountable for their reporting.

The details

According to the report, CBS News reporter Lilia Luciano repeated the false narrative that Bad Bunny was afraid to perform in the continental United States over fears his concerts would be raided by ICE. However, as fact-checker Jorge Bonilla pointed out, Bad Bunny had secured his Puerto Rico residency dates two years in advance, during the Biden administration when there were clearly no ICE raids. The network's segment also falsely identified a child featured in Bad Bunny's performance as Liam Ramos, an abandoned child, when it was actually an actor.

  • Bad Bunny secured his Puerto Rico residency dates two years in advance, during the Biden administration.
  • The CBS News segment aired on February 10, 2026, following Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime performance.

The players

Lilia Luciano

A CBS News reporter who repeated the false narrative about Bad Bunny's performance.

Jorge Bonilla

A fact-checker who debunked the false claims made by CBS News about Bad Bunny's decision to not perform in the continental U.S.

Bad Bunny

A Puerto Rican singer who performed at the Super Bowl halftime show, but was falsely linked to ICE raids by CBS News.

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What they’re saying

“Bad Bunny secured the PR residency dates two years in advance, during the Biden administration when there were clearly no ICE raids- refusal to do CONUS [continental US] dates due to poor sales in multiple markets.”

— Jorge Bonilla, Fact-checker (Twitter)

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing problem of mainstream media outlets spreading misinformation, particularly when it comes to politically charged topics like immigration enforcement. It demonstrates the importance of fact-checking and holding media accountable for their reporting.