Why Bad Bunny Won’t Tour the U.S.: ICE Concerns Explained

Bad Bunny has decided not to include the U.S. in his latest tour, citing concerns over ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement). The 31-year-old music icon, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, is currently engaged in a sold-out 30-date residency at the José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum in San Juan, Puerto Rico.The “No Me Quiero Ir de Aquí” (“I Don’t Want to Leave Here”) shows began in July and conclude on September 14th. After that, he’ll head out on his tour of Latin America, Europe, and Australia.

The global superstar’s decision to skip the U.S.—despite his massive American fanbase—comes as a major surprise. In a recent interview with i-D, Bad Bunny explained that his absence from the States is a direct result of concerns about ICE and how it affects fans and communities.

What This Means

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While many American fans were able to fly to Puerto Rico to attend his shows there, most U.S. fans will be unable to see him perform on his upcoming tour. That’s a major disappointment to his throngs of stateside fans. With his massive popularity in the States, he would most likely have sold out venues across the country.

Not only is it a disappointment for his devotees, but it’s also a pot of gold that, to his credit, the star is leaving unclaimed. Bad Bunny’s US shows would likely have sold out and, given his massive popularity (over 78 million monthly listeners on Spotify), it makes it even more significant that he should choose to skip the entire mainland.

The fact is that Bad Bunny’s fan base is largely Hispanic and bringing his show to the US would likely result in a field day for ICE agents. With thousands of Hispanic followers gathered in one place, ICE officials would be able to interrogate his base and make arrests at their discretion.

Our Take

Bad Bunny’s decision not to play shows in the U.S. is a form of political protest and illustrates how politics and music can intersect. ICE raids have divided families and left undocumented immigrants incarcerated. Our take is that Bad Bunny’s choice to avoid the U.S. at this time of political turmoil is commendable.

Given that he’s one of the biggest Latin stars in the world, this pronouncement has a deep cultural significance and makes a strong statement. Bad Bunny’s decision is more than an act of protest—it’s a testament to an artist’s right to wield their power in a way that supports the marginalized and oppressed.