Why Super Bowl LX Is Already Controversial – Winner Controversy, Trump's Comments, and ICE Presence

From a viral NFL graphic to ICE operations and presidential outrage, Super Bowl LX is no longer just about football — it’s about politics, protests, and performance.

A single illustrated image, posted months ago, has exploded into a full-blown online frenzy — and now it is colliding with politics, pop culture, and immigration fears just days before the biggest night in American sports.

What began as a harmless piece of NFL artwork has spiraled into conspiracy theories, presidential outrage, and mounting anxiety among immigrant communities, transforming Super Bowl LX into far more than a football game.

A Chilling Coincidence That Set Social Media Ablaze

On September 5 — opening night of the 2025 NFL season — the league shared a stylized illustration showing star players from all 32 teams marching toward the Lombardi Trophy. At the very front of the pack stood two figures: Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold and New England Patriots signal-caller Drake Maye.

At the time, the image drew little attention. Months later, it looks downright eerie. Those very teams, the Seahawks and the Patriots, are now set to face off in Super Bowl LX on February 8 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Once the matchup became official, the illustration resurfaced across social media feeds and message boards.

Fans immediately began whispering, then shouting that the NFL had somehow predicted the championship showdown. Some went further, spinning wild theories about manipulation, rigged outcomes, and scripted seasons.

Skeptics quickly pushed back, pointing out that there was no evidence to support such claims. Still, the speculation refused to die. NFL vice president of communications Brian McCarthy finally stepped in, attempting to snuff out the fire with a single word. Quoting the original post on X, he wrote, "Re: the 'controversy' over this image — no."

The Show Must Go On — And It Will Be Loud

Despite the swirling drama, the NFL has barreled ahead with plans to celebrate its 60th championship in a signature spectacle. On Sunday, the league announced that Green Day will kick off Super Bowl LX's opening ceremony at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

The Bay Area rock icons will take the stage just before kickoff on Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026, ushering in the milestone event with a blast of punk-rock nostalgia. According to the NFL, Green Day will usher "generations of Super Bowl MVPs onto the field" with a lineup of their most iconic anthems.

Lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong could hardly contain his excitement. "We are super hyped to open Super Bowl 60 right in our backyard," he said in a statement. "Let's have fun! Let's get loud!"

The ceremony will air live at 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT on NBC, Telemundo, Peacock, and Universo. NFL senior director Tim Tubito called the moment "a collective celebration," particularly meaningful with a hometown band honoring six decades of Super Bowl history.

And that is just the beginning. Charlie Puth will perform the national anthem. Brandi Carlile will sing "America the Beautiful." Coco Jones will deliver "Lift Every Voice and Sing." But not everyone is celebrating.

Trump Enters the Fray With Scathing Criticism

The controversy surrounding Super Bowl LX took a sharp political turn when President Donald Trump publicly blasted the NFL and its entertainment choices. In an Oval Office interview, Trump confirmed he would skip the big game altogether and made no effort to soften his words.

"I'm anti-them. I think it's a terrible choice. All it does is sow hatred. Terrible," he said, referring to performers Bad Bunny and Green Day, both outspoken critics of the president.

Trump later insisted politics were not the only reason he would stay home. "It's just too far away. I would. I've [gotten] great hands [at] the Super Bowl. They like me," he added.

Bad Bunny, ICE, And A Brewing Storm

The King of Latin Trap, Bad Bunny, has never hidden his opposition to Trump, having criticized him in interviews and music alike. One recent song even featured an impersonated Trump voice apologizing to immigrants and acknowledging their contributions to the country.

Tensions spiked further when it was confirmed that ICE would be present during Bad Bunny's halftime performance. Trump advisor Corey Lewandowski left no room for interpretation.

"There is nowhere you can provide safe haven to people who are in this country illegally. Not the Super Bowl and nowhere else. We will find and deport you. That is a very real situation," he said.

The backlash was immediate and fierce. Critics accused the administration of turning a sporting event into a political weapon, warning that the announcement could spread fear among immigrant fans and families.

Fear And Uncertainty Descend On Super Bowl Weekend

The debate escalated again after federal authorities confirmed that ICE agents will conduct enforcement operations around Levi's Stadium throughout Super Bowl weekend. The Department of Homeland Security said ICE officers will be on site as concerns remain high following recent ICE-involved shootings and aggressive raids in other states.

Advocacy groups and local leaders moved quickly, organizing rapid-response efforts amid fears that Super Bowl events could lead to encounters with federal agents.

Bay Area officials, including the mayor of San Jose, emphasized that local police will not cooperate with federal immigration enforcement and will remain focused on community safety.

Immigrant rights groups such as SIREN warned that a lack of clarity from federal officials has left communities deeply on edge. Residents are being urged to stay vigilant, document ICE activity, and report encounters through established rapid-response networks offering legal support and guidance.

Football, Fame, And A Nation Divided

All of this unfolds as Super Bowl LX shapes up to be a historic rematch between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks. Set for February 8 in Santa Clara, the Patriots are chasing a seventh championship under quarterback Drake Maye and head coach Mike Vrabel. Yet the game itself risks being overshadowed.

Just weeks after announcing he would not tour in the United States due to ICE-related fears among his fans, Bad Bunny was named the 2026 halftime headliner — a stunning reversal that reignited controversy.

Supporters of the NFL's decision argue it was strategic. Bad Bunny was Spotify's most-streamed artist of 2025, with 19.8 billion streams, making him a global draw.

"There was absolutely a market decision behind selecting Bad Bunny," said Jorell Meléndez-Badillo, a professor of Latin American studies at the University of Wisconsin. "He has a huge following in the United States, but this stage will also be amplified internationally by having someone like him."

As Super Bowl LX approaches, football is no longer the only thing at stake. What should be a night of touchdowns and triumph has become a volatile collision of sports, politics, music, and fear, reflecting a country deeply divided — and watching every move.