ICE will be targeting undocumented fans at Super Bowl LX

Federal immigration authorities from the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are set to be deployed around Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, California, ahead of the championship game on 8 February 2026.

According to FOX News, officials have confirmed that ICE agents will be a visible presence in and around Levi's Stadium, where the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks will compete.

DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin Yoho said the agency's role will be similar to enforcement operations at other large sporting events.

They also stressed that people who are in the United States legally and obey the law 'have nothing to fear' from the enhanced security measures.

However, critics note that the planned ICE presence is not welcome, following multiple ICE shootings that led to several deaths of US citizens. They warned that having ICE officers at such a widely televised event could deter attendance or create fear among immigrant communities.

DHS Defends ICE's Presence in Upcoming Super Bowl

Homeland Security officials have assured that the deployment is part of a security strategy rather than a targeted, hardline raid. Assistant Secretary McLaughlin Yoho said that the department regularly works with local and federal partners to safeguard major global events, including football championships and international tournaments, and that this operation is no different.

Her remarks were echoed by other DHS figures who noted that law enforcement coordination at events like the Super Bowl typically includes multiple agencies to address potential threats ranging from terrorism to crowd safety.

In that context, immigration enforcement forms one component of a multi‑layered security operation at a venue expected to draw tens of thousands of attendees.

DHS also deployed personnel from various sub‑agencies to New Orleans in advance of the previous Super Bowl on 9 February 2025 to support security efforts. These included measures such as chemical, biological, radiological, and explosive detection, threat analysis, and coordination with local law enforcement. They have called it a standard for major national events.

Noem even described the event as 'the biggest homeland security event that we do every single year' and emphasised coordination among federal, state, and local partners to safeguard attendees and the city.

ICE agents didn't carry out immigration arrests, deportation operations, or targeted enforcement against fans or attendees during the previous Super Bowl LIX itself.

ICE's Presence in Super Bowl: Politically-Charged?

However, many think that the announcement of ICE's role has been politically charged.

U.S. President Donald Trump, a vocal critic of the NFL's choice of Bad Bunny as the Super Bowl halftime performer, has publicly supported a strong stance on immigration enforcement and even said he would boycott the game. Some Trump allies have characterised the operation as necessary to uphold law and order, viewing the Super Bowl like any other venue where federal immigration efforts apply.

Civil liberties advocates and some fans argue that immigration enforcement's focus on a celebratory sporting event could disproportionately affect individuals in immigrant communities, regardless of legal status.

Social media conversations and protests have amplified concerns that the deployment may create a chilling atmosphere rather than simply providing routine security.

Assurances to Super Bowl Attendees

In response to the controversy, DHS officials have reiterated that lawful spectators have 'nothing to fear' and that the heightened presence is intended to ensure that everyone attending or travelling to the game can do so safely. They also clarified that specific enforcement details would not be disclosed publicly in advance.

The NFL itself has not issued a comprehensive statement on the matter, though league representatives have previously acknowledged the importance of partnering with federal and local law enforcement to ensure the safety of major events.