Global Superstar Bad Bunny Speaks Out Against ICE in Puerto Rico
Puerto Rican music icon Bad Bunny, known globally for his chart-topping hits and influence on reggaeton and Latin trap, recently used his massive platform to criticize U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in his homeland. The artist, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, shared footage on social media documenting what appeared to be ICE agents conducting arrests in the streets of Carolina, Puerto Rico.
On Tuesday, June 17, 2025, Bad Bunny posted a video to his Instagram Stories showing unmarked vehicles, specifically mentioning RAV-4s, which he identified as being used by ICE agents on Avenida Pontezuela in Carolina.
Witnessing and Documenting the Arrests
The footage, captioned simply “ice,” captured moments that the artist found deeply disturbing. Bad Bunny voiced his frustration and anger directly in the clip, stating, “Look, those motherfuckers are in these cars, RAV-4s… They’re here in Pontezuela. Sons of bitches, instead of leaving the people alone and working there.” His raw and explicit reaction quickly drew significant attention online, highlighting the impact of immigration enforcement actions on the island.
Broader Context: ICE Operations and Growing Criticism
Bad Bunny’s commentary comes amid ongoing scrutiny and protests across the United States regarding ICE arrests and deportations. Puerto Rico, while a U.S. territory, is home to an estimated 20,000 immigrants living without legal status, according to an ICE investigator. Reports indicate that since President Trump returned to office, nearly 500 immigrant arrests have been made on the island, with a significant majority (75 percent) being Dominican nationals.
The artist joins a growing chorus of musicians who have publicly condemned ICE’s activities. Recently, singer Olivia Rodrigo expressed being “deeply upset about these violent deportations” happening in Los Angeles. Other prominent artists like Billie Joe Armstrong, Finneas, The Game, and Kehlani have also shared similar sentiments, adding their voices to the debate surrounding immigration enforcement policies.
Artist and Advocate: Bad Bunny’s Connection to the Island
Bad Bunny’s outspoken nature on social and political issues is not new. He has previously engaged in Puerto Rican politics, notably endorsing a third-party candidate in the November 2024 election. As the first and only Latin artist to have a Spanish-language album nominated for Album of the Year at the Grammys (“Un Verano Sin Ti”), and with multiple Billboard 200 chart-topping albums and multi-million dollar tours, Bad Bunny commands an enormous platform. His decision to use this influence to highlight the impact of ICE operations in Puerto Rico underscores his deep connection to the island and his willingness to speak out on behalf of its residents, including the immigrant population.
Currently, Bad Bunny is preparing for a significant 30-show residency at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot in San Juan, scheduled to run from July 11 through September 14, further cementing his presence and ties to Puerto Rico. His recent video serves as a powerful, albeit explicit, statement from one of the island’s most influential voices on a contentious local issue.
