During the 2026 Super Bowl, Whoopi Goldberg made fun of Kristi Noem’s warnings about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and encouraged attendees to adopt a Latin accent.
The Homeland Security Secretary announced that ICE would have a significant presence at the upcoming NFL championship event after it was revealed that Bad Bunny would be performing at halftime. Noem’s affirmation of ICE’s participation sparked a debate on The View’s Hot Topics segment. Host Joy Behar highlighted Noem’s threat to potentially detain individuals at the Super Bowl.
In response, Goldberg, aged 69, questioned the criteria Noem would use to identify individuals for arrest. Behar referenced a Supreme Court ruling that restricts immigration agents from profiling based on race, language, occupation, or location. Goldberg countered Noem’s ICE warnings with a playful suggestion.
Goldberg humorously advised, “Everyone, grab some cocoa butter, bask in the sun – it’s a unique opportunity: Try speaking with a Latin accent and see if [Noem] can distinguish between individuals.”
However, Goldberg’s response elicited criticism online, with some labeling it as insensitive or akin to “brown-face.”
Online, a person questioned Goldberg’s statements, asking if she had “lost her mind” for suggesting Super Bowl attendees wear “Latinoface” to confuse ICE.
Others criticized Goldberg, calling her “ignorant,” and suggesting that she should be fired, leading to calls for canceling The View.
The Mirror US has contacted representatives for Goldberg and The View for comments on the matter.
This incident followed Noem’s confirmation during a podcast interview on Friday, October 3, that ICE would be present at the Super Bowl to ensure safety and enforce the law.
Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio MartÃnez Ocasio, addressed the backlash he faced from conservative groups and supporters of the MAGA movement after his appearance on Saturday Night Live on October 4.
Acknowledging the controversy, the Puerto Rican artist expressed his excitement to perform at the Super Bowl and emphasized the significance of his music to the Latino community in the United States.
Bad Bunny highlighted the contributions of Latinos and Latinas in the country, asserting that their achievements and culture are indelible. He delivered this message in Spanish, stating that their impact cannot be erased.
He concluded by joking in English, “If you didn’t understand what I just said, you have four months to learn.”
Since the announcement of Bad Bunny as the halftime performer, there has been controversy among right-wing circles and specific demographics due to his