CBS SMEARED — “Fake News” Accusation EXPOSED

No evidence supports claims that CBS News fabricated stories about ICE enforcement at Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl performance, exposing yet another instance of false accusations weaponized against mainstream media in an era when verifying facts matters more than ever.

Story Overview

CBS News published no false reports about ICE actions at Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl LX halftime show despite viral claims alleging “fake news”
The NFL confirmed no ICE enforcement occurred at the February 2026 Super Bowl performance in Santa Clara, California
Bad Bunny avoided mentioning ICE during his halftime performance, despite his controversial “ICE out” speech at the Grammys weeks earlier
Pre-event speculation about potential ICE presence originated from Trump adviser Corey Lewandowski, not CBS News reporting

No CBS Fabrication Found After Super Bowl Performance

Comprehensive review of CBS News coverage reveals no false reporting about Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions following Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl LX halftime show on February 8, 2026. The network covered Bad Bunny’s Grammy Awards “ICE out” speech and the cultural significance of his performance without manufacturing claims about enforcement operations. Cross-verification across multiple CBS platforms and affiliated stations confirms the accusations lack factual foundation. The NFL issued an internal memo confirming no ICE operations occurred at Levi’s Stadium during the event, directly contradicting speculation that enforcement actions would coincide with the performance.

Grammy Speech Created Pre-Event Controversy

Bad Bunny sparked national debate weeks before the Super Bowl when he declared “ICE out” during his Grammy Awards acceptance speech for his album *Debí Tirar Más Fotos*. CBS News accurately reported the Puerto Rican artist’s statement that immigrants are “humans and Americans” amid nationwide protests over Trump administration immigration enforcement. The Grammy moment fueled speculation about whether Bad Bunny would use the Super Bowl platform for similar messaging. President Trump labeled the NFL’s selection of Bad Bunny “terrible” and accused the performer of sowing “hatred,” while House Speaker Mike Johnson called the choice disappointing. These pre-event tensions originated from Bad Bunny’s activism, not fabricated CBS reporting.

Performer Avoided ICE Messaging During Halftime Show

Bad Bunny’s actual Super Bowl performance focused exclusively on celebrating Puerto Rican culture without referencing ICE or immigration enforcement. The artist, a United States citizen born in Puerto Rico, showcased traditional elements of his heritage during the Seattle Seahawks’ 29-13 victory over the New England Patriots. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell defended the selection as unifying despite criticism from Trump allies. Trump adviser Corey Lewandowski had suggested weeks earlier that ICE would patrol “everywhere,” creating unfounded fears about enforcement targeting the event. This speculation—not CBS reporting—generated the controversy. Bad Bunny had previously canceled United States tour dates in 2025 citing concerns about ICE targeting Latino concertgoers at venues.

Trump Administration Officials Fueled Speculation

The source of ICE-related speculation traced to Trump administration figures, not media fabrication. Corey Lewandowski publicly suggested on October 2, 2025, that ICE agents might patrol the Super Bowl, criticizing Bad Bunny as insufficiently patriotic. President Trump called the February 9 performance “one of the worst ever” the day after the event concluded without incident. These political responses reflect ongoing tensions over immigration policy and cultural representation at major American events. The controversy highlights legitimate policy debates about enforcement priorities versus media accuracy concerns. No evidence suggests CBS News invented or distorted facts about what actually occurred at the Super Bowl halftime show or surrounding ICE operations.