ICE Agents To Patrol Super Bowl LX

DHS confirmed federal immigration enforcement operations around Levi Stadium during the big game.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 10:15am by Ben Kaplan

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The Department of Homeland Security announced that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents will conduct enforcement operations at Super Bowl LX on February 8th at Levi's Stadium in San Francisco. This comes amid wider political tensions and protests against ICE tactics in other cities.

Why it matters

The presence of ICE agents at a major sporting event like the Super Bowl is highly controversial, as it raises concerns about racial profiling, civil liberties, and the use of federal immigration enforcement at large public gatherings. This move also comes at a time of heightened tensions between immigrant communities and federal authorities in the Bay Area.

The details

DHS and NFL officials confirmed that ICE federal agents will patrol the area around Levi's Stadium before the game between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks. DHS said these are routine ICE operations as part of security for a high-profile event. In October, a DHS adviser stated that immigration enforcement is a presidential directive that will not pause for the Super Bowl.

  • The Super Bowl LX is scheduled for February 8, 2026.
  • In October 2025, a DHS adviser said immigration enforcement would continue during the Super Bowl.

The players

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

The U.S. federal executive department responsible for public security, including immigration enforcement through agencies like ICE.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

A federal law enforcement agency under the Department of Homeland Security that enforces immigration laws in the United States.

Corey Lewandowski

A former senior adviser to the U.S. President who stated that immigration enforcement would continue during the Super Bowl.

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who ordered ICE operations in several major cities, including the San Francisco Bay Area.

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What they’re saying

“Enforcement is a presidential directive that will not pause for the Super Bowl.”

— Corey Lewandowski, DHS Adviser (Patch)

What’s next

Local authorities and immigrant rights groups are expected to closely monitor the ICE presence at Super Bowl LX and respond to any concerns about racial profiling or civil liberties violations.

The takeaway

The decision to have ICE agents patrol the Super Bowl highlights the ongoing tensions between federal immigration enforcement and local communities, particularly in sanctuary cities like San Francisco. This move could further erode trust between immigrant populations and law enforcement, underscoring the need for clear policies and oversight around the use of federal agents at major public events.