Congressman Leads Protest Against ICE Presence at Super Bowl

Rep. Ro Khanna and activists voice opposition to immigration enforcement at the big game

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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U.S. Rep. Ro Khanna and other activists protested the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents at the Super Bowl in Santa Clara, California. Khanna communicated with the NFL and the Biden administration to keep ICE out of the event, and he kept his district office open in case constituents needed assistance with any ICE encounters. Khanna was among 21 Democratic members of Congress who sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem opposing immigration raids at the Super Bowl. Activists also distributed signs and played anti-ICE songs to voice their opposition to the federal agency's presence at the big game.

Why it matters

The presence of ICE agents at the Super Bowl raised concerns about public safety, community disruption, and the peaceful enjoyment of the event. Khanna and other activists argued that the Super Bowl should be a moment of celebration, not a flashpoint for fear and polarization around immigration enforcement.

The details

Rep. Ro Khanna stood outside Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, to protest the presence of ICE agents at the Super Bowl. Khanna communicated with the NFL and the Biden administration to keep ICE out of the event, and he kept his district office open in case constituents needed assistance with any ICE encounters. Khanna was among 21 Democratic members of Congress who sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem opposing immigration raids at the Super Bowl. Activists also distributed signs with the words 'ICE OUT' and played an anti-ICE anthem to voice their opposition to the federal agency's presence at the big game.

  • On February 8, 2026, 21 Democratic members of Congress sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem opposing immigration raids at the Super Bowl.
  • On February 9, 2026, Rep. Ro Khanna stood outside Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, to protest the presence of ICE agents at the Super Bowl.

The players

Rep. Ro Khanna

A Democratic U.S. Representative from California's 17th congressional district, who led the protest against ICE presence at the Super Bowl.

Kristi Noem

The Homeland Security Secretary who confirmed that ICE would be present at the Super Bowl.

Nancy Pelosi

The former Speaker of the House, who was among the 21 Democratic members of Congress who sent a letter opposing immigration raids at the Super Bowl.

Shasti Conrad

An activist who distributed signs with the words 'ICE OUT' to protest the federal agency's presence at the Super Bowl.

Michael Ceraso

An activist who distributed signs with the words 'ICE OUT' to protest the federal agency's presence at the Super Bowl.

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What they’re saying

“This is my district and this is a time for elected leaders to be outside with people. I've communicated to the NFL and to the administration to keep ICE out, but I think physically being here in the community makes a big difference.”

— Rep. Ro Khanna, U.S. Representative (Los Angeles Times)

“This should be a moment of celebration, unity, and economic opportunity, not a flashpoint for fear, polarization, and violence. Having ICE at the Super Bowl would undermine public safety, disrupt communities, and threaten the peaceful enjoyment this event should bring to the region and the nation.”

— 21 Democratic members of Congress (Los Angeles Times)

“My heart told me to do it. We have had overwhelming support.”

— Michael Ceraso, Activist (Los Angeles Times)

What’s next

The Biden administration and the NFL will continue to negotiate the presence of ICE agents at the Super Bowl, with concerns about public safety and community disruption remaining a key issue.

The takeaway

The protest against ICE presence at the Super Bowl highlights the ongoing tensions around immigration enforcement and the desire to keep major events free from political polarization and fear.