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Jennifer Lopez and Shakira's Super Bowl halftime show made a subtle statement about the border crisis

Yes, you did see children in cages.

Morgan Sung

on February 2, 2020

Jennifer Lopez and Shakira's Super Bowl halftime show made a subtle statement about the border crisis

Between Shakira becoming a meme and Jennifer Lopez doing some stunning Hustlers choreography, this year's Super Bowl halftime show delivered a powerful statement about what it means to be American right now.

One thing you may not have noticed during the otherwise high wattage show: Lopez's 11-year-old daughter Emme Maribel Muñiz sang a slowed-down, ballad version of her mom's song "Let's Get Loud" from behind a glowing cage-like dome.

Jennifer Lopez's daughter Emme sings at the halftime show. Credit: Getty Images

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In front of the stage, more children sat in similar cages. Many believe it was a reference to the situation at the U.S.-Mexico border, where immigrant children have been separated from their parents and are being detained in horrifying conditions.

Cages have become a symbol of protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the way the American government is treating those who cross the border seeking asylum.

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As the children exited the cages, they joined the chorus for a cover of Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the USA." Lopez donned a feathered cape with an American flag on the exterior and a Puerto Rican one inside.

Jennifer Lopez and Shakira made a statement about Latinx identity. Credit: ANGELA WEISS / Getty Images

The imagery alludes to Puerto Rico's position in the United States — Puerto Ricans are very much American citizens. (A 2017 poll found that nearly half of Americans don't know that Puerto Ricans are citizens just like them.) Twitter users praised Shakira and Jennifer Lopez for making a political statement during a traditionally unpolitical event.