One of the most talked-about pieces of Super Bowl merchandise this year isn’t available in stores. It’s a rally towel designed by L.A. artist Lalo Alcaraz, featuring a playful bunny punting on one side and a bold message—“ICE OUT”—on the other. Before the game, activists stealthily handed out 15,000 of these towels to fans entering Levi’s Stadium, aiming to rally support for Latino and immigrant rights.
The NFL prefers that the Super Bowl be all about the game and the halftime show, without turning into a platform for political issues. However, the group behind the towels hopes that their message will be hard to ignore. Shasti Conrad, a leader in the activist group Contra-ICE, believes in using moments like these to speak up against the harsh actions of ICE and the Trump administration. She describes it as a celebration of culture and sport with a deeper meaning.
Notably, the choice of Bad Bunny as this year’s halftime show performer carries significant weight. He’s not just a popular artist; he has openly addressed the struggles faced by immigrant communities. At the Grammys, he powerfully stated, “We’re not savage, we’re not animals… We are humans and we are Americans.” His words resonate deeply, especially against the backdrop of ICE’s controversial raids, which have sparked protests and distress within communities.
This year’s Super Bowl isn’t just about touchdowns and halftime; it’s a reflection of ongoing societal issues. The message from activists and performers alike aims to highlight the importance of love and unity over hate. Bad Bunny, with his immense popularity, serves as a symbolic figure in this fight for justice.
Art plays a significant role in social movements. Alcaraz believes it allows people to confront injustices. He said, “When injustice becomes part of everyday life, artists have a responsibility to make it visible.” This sentiment echoes the growing trend of using high-profile platforms to address serious issues, as seen in recent award shows and sporting events where artists and athletes express their views.
Polling from last year indicated that a significant majority of Americans view ICE’s actions as overly aggressive, suggesting that dissent against the agency is becoming more common. Even some who initially supported these policies are reconsidering their stance, realizing that the consequences affect families and communities.
As Bad Bunny takes the stage, his performance will not only entertain but also carry a message of hope and resilience for many. The actions of activist groups leading up to the event reveal that the fight for immigrant rights continues, even in moments filled with celebration. It’s a reminder that sports can be a space for meaningful dialogue, where culture and activism intersect.
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