ICE Says No Immigration Operations Planned at Super Bowl Amid Heightened Security

U.S. authorities have no plans to carry out immigration enforcement operations during the upcoming Super Bowl in Santa Clara, according to two sources familiar with the security arrangements. Security measures for Sunday’s game — featuring the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots — are expected to follow standard protocols used at previous editions of the Super Bowl. An email circulated last week by the Bay Area Host Committee to regional officials reportedly confirmed that immigration enforcement by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is not typically conducted at the event.

The issue drew attention amid ongoing scrutiny of federal immigration policies under President Donald Trump, particularly after recent incidents that triggered protests in several U.S. cities. At a press conference Monday, Roger Goodell, commissioner of the National Football League, said the league was coordinating closely with local, state, and federal law enforcement to ensure a secure environment. He noted that the federal government — including the current administration — plays a consistent role in event security planning. In previous years, a division of ICE known as Homeland Security Investigations has supported coordination among agencies, a role it is again expected to perform this year under the umbrella of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

The debate has also reached the entertainment stage. Puerto Rican music star Bad Bunny, set to headline the halftime show, recently criticized immigration enforcement in his acceptance speech at the Grammy Awards, declaring “ICE out” and emphasizing immigrant identity and belonging. His remarks and participation have drawn backlash from conservative figures, including DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. Meanwhile, a small protest of fewer than 100 people took place outside an NFL event in San Jose on Monday, highlighting how immigration policy tensions are intersecting with one of the nation’s largest sporting events.

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