Full Breakdown
Bad Bunny Excludes U.S. from World Tour Due to ICE Concerns
9/12/2025, 11:22:56 AM
Decision to Skip U.S. Concerts
Puerto Rican musician Bad Bunny, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, has announced that he will not include the United States in his upcoming "Debí Tirar Más Fotos" world tour, primarily due to concerns over the presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at his concerts. In a recent interview with i-D magazine, he confirmed that fears of ICE raids targeting his Latino fans significantly influenced his decision. “There were many reasons why I didn’t show up in the U.S., and none of them were out of hate—I’ve performed there many times. All of [the shows] have been successful. All of them have been magnificent,” he stated.
Background on ICE Raids
The decision comes amid a backdrop of increased ICE activity under the Trump administration, which has escalated mass deportations, particularly affecting Latino communities. Reports indicate that ICE aims for a minimum of 3,000 arrests per day, raising concerns about racial profiling and the safety of Latino gatherings. Recent legal developments, including a Supreme Court ruling allowing federal agents to stop individuals based on language or appearance, have further exacerbated fears within these communities.
Impact on Latino Communities
Bad Bunny's choice reflects broader anxieties within the Latino community regarding safety at public events. Several cultural celebrations, such as Philadelphia’s Carnaval de Puebla and a Guatemalan festival in Los Angeles, have been canceled due to fears of ICE targeting attendees. The artist emphasized that his concerts should be spaces of joy and unity, not fear. “It doesn’t feel right to celebrate and have fun in a place where people are scared to show up because of raids,” he remarked.
Official Statements & Responses
In his interview, Bad Bunny reiterated that his decision was not motivated by animosity towards the U.S. or its audiences. He expressed a desire to connect with his fans, particularly Latinos living in the U.S., but felt that the potential risks posed by ICE made performing in the mainland untenable. “But there was the issue of—like, fucking ICE could be outside [my concert]. And it’s something that we were talking about and very concerned about,” he explained.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of ICE operations have voiced their concerns over the agency's tactics, which many argue disproportionately target marginalized communities. Bad Bunny has been vocal about his opposition to these practices, previously sharing videos on social media that depict ICE raids in Puerto Rico, where he condemned the agency's actions.
What's Next for Bad Bunny
Bad Bunny's "Debí Tirar Más Fotos" world tour is set to kick off on November 21, 2025, in the Dominican Republic and will include stops across Latin America, Europe, Asia, and Australia, concluding in Belgium in July 2026. While U.S. fans may be disappointed by the absence of local performances, Bad Bunny encourages them to attend his ongoing residency in Puerto Rico, which has generated significant economic impact and serves as a safer venue for his audience.
Verbatim Quotes
- “There were many reasons why I didn't show up in the U.S., and none of them were out of hate,” — Bad Bunny
- “But there was the issue of — like, fucking ICE could be outside [my concert]. And it’s something that we were talking about and very concerned about.” — Bad Bunny
- “It doesn’t feel right to celebrate and have fun in a place where people are scared to show up because of raids,” — Bad Bunny
Bad Bunny's decision not to tour the U.S. underscores the intersection of music, culture, and the pressing social issues surrounding immigration enforcement in America.
