Bad Bunny said he opted not to include the United States in his upcoming 2025–26 world tour because he was concerned that Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents "could be outside" his shows.
Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, known professionally as Bad Bunny, told I‑D in an interview published Sept. 10 that the decision was not motivated by animosity toward U.S. audiences. "There were many reasons why I didn’t show up in the US, and none of them were out of hate — I’ve performed there many times," the 31‑year‑old said. "All of [the shows] have been successful. All of them have been magnificent. I’ve enjoyed connecting with Latinos who have been living in the US. But specifically, for a residency here in Puerto Rico, when we are an unincorporated territory of the US…People from the US could come here to see the show. But there was the issue of — like, f–king ICE could be outside. And it’s something that we were talking about and very concerned about."
The Debi Tirar Mas Fotos World Tour — announced in May — is scheduled to begin Nov. 21 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, and will visit cities across Latin America, Europe, Australia and Asia before concluding July 26, 2026, in Brussels. That announcement prompted disappointment among some U.S. fans when the United States did not appear on the itinerary.
Bad Bunny previously told Variety in June that adding U.S. dates for the residency was "unnecessary," though he did not mention immigration enforcement at that time. Over the summer he criticized ICE in an Instagram video after the agency stopped several people in Puerto Rico, saying in Spanish that agents were "in these cars" and calling them "sons of bitches" as he urged they be left alone.
The artist's comments come amid growing public attention to immigration enforcement operations in recent months. Bad Bunny referenced Puerto Rico’s political status as an unincorporated U.S. territory when explaining why U.S. residents might travel to see a residency there, or why enforcement activity could affect attendees.
Public safety concerns at concerts have also been highlighted by a recent fatal shooting in San Juan. Kevin Mares, 25, a New York native and visitor who had traveled to Puerto Rico to attend a Bad Bunny concert, was fatally shot in San Juan earlier this year. Mares' death drew renewed discussion about security at large events and the risks faced by attendees traveling from abroad.
Despite excluding the U.S. from this tour leg, Bad Bunny has a long history of performing in the United States, including stadium dates and multiple television appearances. He has also been vocal on political and social issues in Puerto Rico, using his platform to address matters from local governance to federal policies that affect the island.
Representatives for Bad Bunny and ICE did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The artist’s decision underscores how concerns about enforcement and safety can shape touring choices for performers who draw international and diasporic audiences.
Fans and industry observers said the tour routing will still allow many U.S.‑based Latinos and Puerto Ricans to travel to nearby dates in Latin America or Europe to see the artist, while others expressed disappointment at the lack of domestic shows. The tour is expected to be one of the highest‑profile international legs of Bad Bunny’s career, reflecting his continued global popularity and the logistical and political considerations that can influence major live‑music campaigns.
Bad Bunny remains a central figure in contemporary Latin music, both for his commercial success and his willingness to speak publicly on social and political issues that affect Puerto Rico and the broader Latino community.