The popular Chilean program 31 Minutos made its debut this week on the Tiny Desk Concert series produced by the U.S. public broadcaster NPR, with a performance that blended humor, music, and social commentary aimed at the immigration policies promoted by President Donald Trump.
The concert, recorded at NPR’s Washington, D.C. offices, featured the show’s iconic puppet characters delivering their signature irony and satire. From the outset, Tulio Triviño, the show’s anchor, joked about the cast’s immigration status, saying:
“This is 31 Minutos’ first time in Washington — which is exactly how long our work visas last.”
The line drew laughter while humorously underscoring the rigidity of U.S. immigration policies.
During the performance, journalist Juan Carlos Bodoque warned the audience to duck as a blond-haired crocodile wearing a red cap and an ammunition belt entered the stage — a symbolic figure representing Florida’s migrant detention centers, nicknamed “the Alcatraz of the Alligators.”
The character directly referenced Trump’s image, with visual nods to his “MAGA” (Make America Great Again) caps and his close ties to the National Rifle Association (NRA).
One of the standout moments came with the performance of “Objeción Denegada” (“Objection Denied”), sung by Juan Pablo Sopa in an adapted version that mentioned U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids launched on June 6 of that year.
The lyrics — calling on the audience to “raise your hands if your waiver has expired and you’re undocumented” —were widely interpreted as a direct critique of immigrant persecution and deportation policies under the Trump administration.
With this performance, 31 Minutos brought its trademark political satire to one of the world’s most prestigious musical stages, proving that its mix of children’s entertainment and journalism can also serve as a vehicle for reflection on social and human rights issues.
Created by Álvaro Díaz, Pedro Peirano, and Tulio Triviño, the Chilean show has been hailed across Latin America for tackling complex topics — such as consumerism, inequality, and politics — through humor. Its debut on NPR’s Tiny Desk marked a cultural milestone for the region, blending entertainment and social critique in a globally influential format.
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