Bad Bunny slams ICE at Latin Grammys: 'Many ways of defending our homelands, we chose music'

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA: At the 2025 Latin Grammy Awards on Thursday, November 13, it was a big night for Bad Bunny.

The Puerto Rican rapper won five of the twelve awards he was nominated for at the 26th annual ceremony. He used his acceptance speech for the Album of the Year award to highlight issues of identity, resistance, and the wider social and political impact of his music.

Bad Bunny's speech at the Latin Grammy Awards

Bad Bunny accepted the biggest prize of the year, the Album of the Year award, for 'Debi Tirar Mas Fotos' and addressed his win with a powerful, emotional dedication. 

He dedicated the trophy to “all the children and young people of Latin America, and especially those from Puerto Rico.” 

Speaking in Spanish, he encouraged the audience to “never stop dreaming and being yourselves” and reminded them to “never forget where you come from.” 

He further delivered a heartfelt 14-word message, speaking in Spanish, "There are many ways of being patriotic and defending our homelands. We chose music."

This was interpreted as a direct rebuke of ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) and broader US immigration policy. 

The timing was significant, as it followed confirmation that ICE planned to have a presence at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on February 8, the date when Bad Bunny would perform at the 2026 Super Bowl LX Halftime Show. 

He has openly criticized President Donald Trump and avoided touring the US on his last world tour, citing concerns over increased ICE raids at his concerts.

Trump slammed Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show pick as 'ridiculous'

Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl booking has sparked controversy, particularly among conservative critics. 

A Quinnipiac University poll found that 63% of Republicans disapprove of the NFL’s decision to have him perform.

Among his critics are Trump, who labeled the booking “ridiculous,” and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, who declared, “They suck, and we’ll win.” 

Despite the backlash, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell defended the decision, noting that Bad Bunny is “one of the leading and most popular entertainers in the world” and said his inclusion adds significant entertainment value.

The singer has also responded to criticism in other forums. In a 'Saturday Night Live' monologue in October, he challenged non-Spanish speakers to learn the language, saying they have “four months to learn” before his Super Bowl performance.

Bad Bunny is also a leading nominee for the 2026 Grammy Awards, with nods for Album of the Year for 'Debi Tirar Mas Fotos' and Song of the Year for 'DtMF'.