Fox News host Jesse Watters sparked discussion with his critique of Bad Bunny’s performance during the Super Bowl halftime show, describing it as an “open borders moment” that turned the event into an international spectacle rather than a unifying American tradition. His comments came amid broader conversations about the NFL’s outreach to diverse audiences and ongoing national debates over immigration policies.
Watters: Latin America is invading this country… and that's what you see. You see all these foreigners speaking a foreign language, with foreign flags marching into the camera like a caravan. This was an open borders moment. pic.twitter.com/pEO92PllvG
— Acyn (@Acyn) February 9, 2026
Watters expressed his views on his program shortly after the halftime show, focusing on what he saw as the NFL’s strategic efforts to expand its appeal. He stated, “I like the Super Bowl not to be an international event. I like it when we kinda all come together as Americans, especially when it feels like the NFL is just using it as a marketing ploy to recruit Latin American audience, on the heels of Latin America invading this country. 20 million pouring in, and that’s what you see. You see all these foreigners speaking a foreign language with foreign flags marching into the camera like a caravan. Too soon! Listen, this was an open borders moment. Everybody knows it. That’s what’s going on here.” His words linked the performance directly to immigration issues, suggesting the show’s elements evoked recent border-related events and caravans that have been points of contention in public discourse.
ALL THE LATIN AMERICAN COUNTRIES BEING MENTIONED BY BAD BUNNY IN THE HALFTIME SHOW. #SuperBowl pic.twitter.com/sYySsOmTE8
— Access Bad Bunny (@AccessBadBunny) February 9, 2026
The Super Bowl halftime show featuring Bad Bunny took place during the championship game, which capped the NFL season and attracted a massive audience eager for both the football action and the entertainment interlude. Bad Bunny, a prominent Puerto Rican singer and rapper known for his reggaeton and Latin trap music, delivered a high-energy set that incorporated Spanish lyrics, vibrant choreography, and visual elements reflecting Latin American influences. Such performances have become a staple of the Super Bowl since the 1990s, evolving from simple marching band displays to star-studded productions aimed at boosting viewership and engaging global fans.
The significance of the halftime show in the current climate stems from the Super Bowl’s role as a cultural touchstone that often mirrors societal shifts. With immigration remaining a key topic in political discussions, particularly following policy changes and border enforcement debates over the past few years, elements like foreign flags and non-English lyrics in the performance drew varied reactions. The event’s timing, just after the start of the new congressional session, amplified these responses, as lawmakers and media figures weighed in on how entertainment intersects with national unity. Despite the controversy, the show achieved high ratings, underscoring the NFL’s success in broadening its demographic reach while maintaining its status as a premier American pastime.
