NFL Says No ICE Enforcement Planned for Super Bowl LX

Federal and local law enforcement ramp up security measures across the Bay Area for the big game.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 11:07pm by Ben Kaplan

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The NFL has confirmed that there are no planned U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations or immigration enforcement activities as part of the security measures for Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara. However, the Department of Homeland Security has said there will be an increased federal law enforcement presence throughout Super Bowl week, working alongside local agencies to address a wide range of potential threats.

Why it matters

The NFL's assurance comes amid concerns from California leaders about potential ICE activity around the Super Bowl, following incidents of immigration enforcement at past major events. While the NFL says ICE will not be involved, state and local officials remain vigilant and have taken steps to restrict federal immigration enforcement on county property during the game.

The details

Cathy Lanier, the NFL's Chief Security Officer, stated that ICE is not deployed as part of the league's Super Bowl security operations and has not been in recent years. However, the Department of Homeland Security confirmed there will be an increased federal law enforcement presence, including the Nuclear Emergency Support Team conducting routine radiation surveys. Law enforcement officials outlined a layered security plan to address a wide range of potential threats.

  • The annual Super Bowl security meeting was held this week at the Moscone Center.
  • Earlier this week, a helicopter was spotted criss-crossing over San Francisco as part of the security preparations.

The players

Cathy Lanier

The NFL's Chief Security Officer.

Jeffrey Branniga

A Department of Homeland Security supervisory special agent.

Alex Lee

A California Assemblymember representing Santa Clara County who has introduced a bill to strip state tax credits from companies that do business with ICE.

Gavin Newsom

The Governor of California.

Cory Morgan

The Santa Clara Police Chief.

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What they’re saying

“There are no planned ICE or immigration enforcement operations around any Super Bowl-related events or Sunday's big game.”

— Cathy Lanier, NFL's Chief Security Officer (CBS News Sacramento)

“Our collective safety plan has been deliberate and layered, encountering a wide array of threats. We've shared intelligence, ensured the introduction of key counter measures and shored up our emergency while remaining flexible and adaptable.”

— Jeffrey Branniga, DHS Supervisory Special Agent (CBS News Sacramento)

“We're very vigilant about this. We don't want any sort of Minneapolis situation to escalate from ICE violence. I really think we're in a watershed moment in the country. I'm glad the NFL isn't actively collaborating with them, but I don't think that precludes ICE from showing up.”

— Alex Lee, California Assemblymember (CBS News Sacramento)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.