Did Bad Bunny intend his Super Bowl Grammy moment as symbolic tribute to Liam Ramos, the 5‑year‑old detained by ICE, or was it part of staged performance?

Bad Bunny made headlines during his Super Bowl LX halftime show at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, with a moment that immediately caught viewers’ attention. The 31-year-old Puerto Rican singer, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, appeared to reference five-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos, who was recently detained by ICE while walking home from school in Columbia Heights, Minnesota.



During his performance, Bad Bunny was seen holding his Grammy award and presenting it to a young boy who was watching a clip of the singer’s Grammy acceptance speech on a small television. Social media quickly drew connections to Liam Ramos, sparking widespread speculation that the gesture was deliberate. Fans praised the moment for its emotional resonance, interpreting it as a statement of “love over hate” in response to ongoing debates over immigration enforcement.



Reactions on X were immediate and varied. Some users pointed out that the child resembled Liam Ramos, suggesting the Grammy handover was symbolic. Others emphasised the message of empathy and solidarity, interpreting the act as Bad Bunny using his platform to shine a light on a vulnerable child affected by immigration policies. While some viewers debated the specifics, many celebrated the performance as a powerful example of how celebrities can weave social and political commentary into high-profile events.



The connection drew attention not just for its potential political statement, but also for the way it highlighted issues surrounding immigration enforcement in the United States. Liam Ramos had been taken into ICE custody on 20 January, prompting national debate and renewed calls for humane treatment of children and families affected by federal immigration policies. Bad Bunny’s performance amplified these discussions, illustrating how music and performance can intersect with social advocacy on a global stage.



While Bad Bunny did not explicitly reference ICE or immigration policy during the Super Bowl, the Grammy moment and the surrounding imagery suggested a carefully considered message. By incorporating subtle political commentary into a mass-viewed event, he reaffirmed his role not only as a performer but also as a public figure willing to use his visibility to address pressing social issues.



For many fans, the moment represented more than entertainment. It was a statement about compassion, awareness, and the power of representation, showing how cultural events like the Super Bowl can transcend sports and become platforms for social dialogue. Bad Bunny’s act was both symbolic and provocative, leaving audiences reflecting on the intersection of art, fame, and activism.