Bad Bunny Avoids Performing in the U.S. Over Fear of ICE Raids

• Bad Bunny Avoids the US
• ICE Raids Worry Latinos
• Concerts Only in Puerto Rico

One of the most in-demand names in music, selling out every show.

Everything Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio touches turns into immediate success—but also into a weight of responsibilities and risks that he himself acknowledges.

The Puerto Rican singer, 31, has launched a historic residency on his native island titled “No me quiero ir de aquí” (“I Don’t Want to Leave Here”).

The concert series has run for three months and injected at least $200 million into the local economy, according to Forbes.

Bad Bunny Avoids the US Because of ICE

Bad Bunny reveals he skipped the U.S. for his world tour in fear of ICE raiding his shows. pic.twitter.com/XZUpZ6vHBx

— Pop Base (@PopBase) September 10, 2025

What has surprised many is that this residency will not extend to the US mainland, according to Billboard.

Until recently, the artist had said it wasn’t “necessary” to perform outside Puerto Rico. But in an interview published by i-D Magazine on September 10, he revealed the true reason.

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Bad Bunny explained that mass ICE raids against Latino communities were a decisive factor in his choice.

“Honestly, yes,” he answered when asked whether the absence of U.S. concerts was connected to deportations.

ICE and the Artist’s Concern

#BadBunny is not touring in the U.S. right now due to fear of ICE raids.

“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…… pic.twitter.com/zeHfHNGxXx

— Variety (@Variety) September 10, 2025

The singer clarified that his concern isn’t about his audience—he has filled stadiums in the US before, with enormous success and deep connections with Latinos there.

Instead, Bad Bunny’s worry is about the current climate around migrant communities, and the risk that ICE agents could be present even outside his concerts.

“All of the shows have been magnificent. I’ve enjoyed connecting with Latinos who live in the US.

But specifically, for a residency here in Puerto Rico, when we’re an unincorporated territory…,” he said, stressing that fans can travel to see him on the island or abroad.

The Artist’s Decision

Still, he insisted that the possibility of immigration agents appearing outside his shows made him halt any plans for US concerts.

The decision highlights Bad Bunny’s deep ties to his Puerto Rican identity. His island is not only the center of a unique cultural experience, but also a refuge from political and social tensions affecting millions of Latinos.

With this move, Bad Bunny reaffirms his commitment to the struggles his fans face—turning his career into a platform to raise his voice beyond music.