Sources: No Special ICE Operations Planned for Super Bowl Amid Heightened Immigration Tensions
By Frank Pingue and Max A. Cherney
SAN JOSE, California, Feb 2 (Reuters) – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has no plans to carry out immigration enforcement operations during or around Super Bowl LVIII, two sources briefed on security planning confirmed on Monday. The decision comes against a backdrop of national protests over recent ICE actions and political controversy surrounding the event's halftime performer.
Security for Sunday's championship game between the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara will align with protocols from previous years, one source said, referencing a recent communication from the Bay Area Host Committee to local officials.
"ICE operations are not a standard feature of Super Bowl security," the source noted, emphasizing that the focus remains on public safety. The clarification follows heightened public anxiety after ICE agents were involved in the fatal shooting of two U.S. citizens in Minnesota last month, which sparked nationwide demonstrations.
The immigration debate has also touched the event's entertainment lineup. Puerto Rican global superstar and Grammy-winner Bad Bunny, who is headlining the halftime show, has been vocal in his criticism of ICE. He previously cited fears of immigration enforcement as a reason for avoiding U.S. mainland tours. His inclusion has drawn criticism from some conservative figures, including South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem.
At a press conference Monday, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell addressed security coordination, stating the league works with all levels of law enforcement, including federal partners, to ensure a safe environment. "Every administration plays a role in this process," Goodell said.
A second source explained that a specialized ICE unit, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), will participate in a supporting role—as it has in prior years—helping to coordinate various federal agencies involved in event security. This is distinct from civil immigration enforcement operations.
The sources spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly.
Outside the NFL's "Opening Night" event in San Jose on Monday, a group of approximately 100 protesters gathered, voicing opposition to ICE's broader enforcement policies.
COMMENTARY
"This should be a non-issue. The Super Bowl is about football, national unity, and security—not political theater. It's reassuring that standard protocols are being followed without unnecessary escalation." – Michael Torres, security analyst and former event coordinator.
"The fact we even have to ask if ICE will be rounding people up at a football game shows how toxic and fear-based our immigration system has become. Bad Bunny is right to use his platform to speak out." – Dr. Lena Marquez, sociology professor at UC Berkeley.
"It's an absolute disgrace. Allowing a performer who openly disrespects our laws and agents to headline the halftime show, while the administration tip-toes around enforcement? It sends the worst possible message." – Congressman David Riggs (R-AZ), member of the Homeland Security Committee.
"The operational distinction here is crucial. HSI's role in inter-agency coordination for major events is about preventing terrorism and trafficking, not immigration checks. Conflating the two undermines public understanding of complex security work." – Priya Chen, former DHS policy advisor.