Super Bowl LX Security and Immigration Concerns

As Super Bowl LX approaches, scheduled for February 12, 2026, at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, the National Football League (NFL) has assured that the federal security presence will mirror that of previous Super Bowls. Cathy Lanier, the NFL's chief security officer, confirmed that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers will not be part of the federal agencies present during the event. "There are no planned ICE enforcement activities. We are confident of that," Lanier stated during a security briefing.

ESPN

Despite the NFL's assurances, concerns linger regarding potential ICE involvement. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) official Jeff Brannigan has communicated with local officials and the NFL, indicating that ICE does not plan to conduct law enforcement actions during Super Bowl week. However, skepticism remains among local residents and immigrant rights advocates, particularly after comments made by Corey Lewandowski, a DHS adviser, suggesting that ICE agents would be active at the game. Lewandowski previously stated, "There is nowhere that you can provide safe haven to people who are in the country illegally, not the Super Bowl, not anywhere else."

ESPN

In response to fears of an immigration crackdown, city councils across the Bay Area have enacted ordinances designating their jurisdictions as "ICE-free zones." This initiative aims to prevent federal agents from utilizing local resources for enforcement. Immigrant rights groups have mobilized hundreds of volunteers to monitor federal activities around Levi's Stadium and in immigrant-heavy neighborhoods. These preparations intensified following the announcement of Bad Bunny, a Puerto Rican rapper known for his criticism of President Donald Trump, as the halftime performer.

New York Times

Local sentiments reflect a mix of optimism and apprehension. San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie expressed confidence in the event's safety, stating, "We are going to keep everybody safe -- our residents, our visitors." Conversely, community members like Jaasiel Torres, an 18-year-old who participated in a demonstration against federal enforcement, articulated a sense of danger, saying, “It feels like a present danger.” This sentiment is fueled by recent incidents involving federal agents, which have heightened fears within immigrant communities.

New York Times

DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin emphasized that individuals who are in the country legally and not violating other laws have nothing to fear. However, she refrained from confirming the presence of federal immigration agents at the Super Bowl, stating, "We will not disclose future operations or discuss personnel." The NFL and local officials maintain that security measures will be comprehensive and in line with constitutional protections.

ESPN

While the NFL and DHS officials assert that no ICE enforcement is planned, the mixed messages from government officials and the historical context of federal immigration actions create uncertainty. The lack of clarity regarding ICE's potential involvement has left many local residents and immigrant rights advocates wary as the event approaches.

ESPN

• “There are no planned ICE enforcement activities. We are confident of that,” — Cathy Lanier, NFL Chief Security Officer

ESPN

• “There is nowhere that you can provide safe haven to people who are in the country illegally, not the Super Bowl, not anywhere else,” — Corey Lewandowski, DHS Adviser

ESPN

• “We are going to keep everybody safe -- our residents, our visitors,” — Daniel Lurie, San Francisco Mayor

ESPN

• “It feels like a present danger,” — Jaasiel Torres, Community Member

New York Times