Bad Bunny Avoids U.S. Tour Dates Amid ICE Deportation Concerns

Bad Bunny, a global icon in Latin music and outspoken supporter of social justice causes, has confirmed that his decision to skip U.S. mainland tour dates is driven by concerns over ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) deportations impacting his fans and broader immigrant communities. This move, rare for an artist of his stature, has drawn attention from LGBTQ+ and ally networks worldwide, highlighting the intersection of entertainment, immigration policy, and queer advocacy .

In June, Bad Bunny took to Instagram Stories, posting footage of an ICE raid in Pontezuela, a suburb east of San Juan, Puerto Rico. He condemned the presence and actions of ICE officers, using strong language to express solidarity with those impacted by these raids. His video showed agents by SUVs with blue flashing lights, and he could be heard in Spanish denouncing them for targeting local residents instead of "leaving the people alone and working there" .

The raids in Puerto Rico have disproportionately affected immigrants from the Dominican Republic, a group that often faces compounded vulnerabilities due to limited legal protections and social stigma. According to ICE, nearly 500 arrests have been made on the island in recent years, with approximately 75% involving Dominican nationals. Notably, fewer than 80 of those arrested have a criminal record, with reentry following deportation being the most common charge

For LGBTQ+ immigrants, ICE deportations carry a unique set of dangers. Detained transgender people, for example, have reported insufficient access to necessary health care and greater exposure to sexual violence and harassment in detention centers . Bad Bunny’s vocal opposition to mass deportations has galvanized LGBTQ+ and allied organizations to call for safer, more inclusive immigration policies that recognize intersectional identities and vulnerabilities.

Eva Longoria, a prominent advocate for Latinx and LGBTQ+ rights, echoed these concerns in a widely shared TikTok video, describing the mass deportations as "inhumane" and "hard to watch." Her remarks have amplified the call for solidarity across communities, emphasizing the broader social impact of immigration enforcement practices .

Bad Bunny’s refusal to perform in the mainland U.S. is not merely a political gesture—it is an act of solidarity with fans and communities who may feel unsafe or unwelcome under current immigration enforcement policies. His activism has resonated with queer and trans fans who identify with both his music and his advocacy for marginalized groups.

His social media platforms, especially Instagram and TikTok, have become spaces for raising awareness about immigration-related injustices, often featuring collaborative content with LGBTQ+ organizers and immigrant rights activists (Instagram: @badbunnypr). By leveraging his visibility, Bad Bunny has helped bring attention to the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ immigrants, many of whom face heightened risks in the current climate.

Grassroots campaigns have also sprung up in response to Bad Bunny’s activism, with fans and allies organizing mutual aid efforts and informational workshops in Puerto Rico and across Latin America (Instagram: @pridecampaign).

Bad Bunny’s decision has prompted other high-profile artists to reconsider their touring schedules in regions affected by aggressive immigration enforcement. Some have pledged to provide legal support and safe spaces for fans at risk of ICE raids, while others have chosen to use their platforms to raise awareness and advocate for systemic change. Industry analysts suggest that Bad Bunny’s actions may herald a shift in entertainment norms, encouraging performers to prioritize community safety and solidarity over commercial opportunities.