ICE Vows Enforcement Actions at Super Bowl LX in Silicon Valley

Federal immigration agents will be present at Levi's Stadium despite growing tensions and anti-ICE sentiments in the region.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 1:55pm

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As excitement builds for Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, the Department of Homeland Security has confirmed that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents will be conducting 'enforcement actions' inside and outside the stadium before, during, and after the game. This announcement has raised concerns among local officials and residents, especially in the wake of recent fatal shootings by ICE agents in Minneapolis.

Why it matters

The presence of ICE agents at the high-profile Super Bowl event has sparked fears of potential disruptions, detentions, or even violence, particularly among immigrant communities. Local authorities are working to ensure public safety and keep residents informed, but tensions remain high given the divisive nature of immigration enforcement actions.

The details

Federal officials stated that ICE agents will be present at Levi's Stadium, but provided no further details on the specific nature of the 'enforcement actions' planned. Local authorities, including the Santa Clara Police Department and the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office, have not been briefed on ICE's plans. The Santa Clara Police Department has a policy of not detaining or assisting with civil immigration enforcement, but it remains unclear how they will respond if ICE agents take action at the event.

  • The Super Bowl LX is scheduled for February 8, 2026.
  • ICE has announced it will conduct enforcement actions before, during, and after the game.

The players

Department of Homeland Security

The federal agency responsible for overseeing ICE and other immigration enforcement operations.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal law enforcement agency tasked with enforcing immigration laws, including conducting deportation and detention operations.

Santa Clara Police Department

The lead law enforcement agency responsible for planning and implementing security for the Super Bowl LX event at Levi's Stadium.

Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office

A partner agency that will assist with public safety efforts surrounding the Super Bowl, but has a policy of not collaborating with ICE on civil immigration enforcement.

Matt Mahan

The mayor of San Jose, who has addressed the community's concerns and stated that San Jose police will not assist with ICE's legal immigration enforcement activities.

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What they’re saying

“DHS is committed to working with our local and federal partners to ensure the Super Bowl is safe for everyone involved, as we do with every major sporting event, including the World Cup.”

— Tricia McLaughlin Yoho, Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs, Department of Homeland Security (TMZ Sports)

“Our mission remains unchanged.”

— Tricia McLaughlin Yoho, Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs, Department of Homeland Security (TMZ Sports)

“As our region prepares for [the] Super Bowl and the threat that ICE may conduct enforcement activities in the area, I want to make one thing very clear: Our San Jose police officers are here to keep you safe. They cannot and will not interrupt or assist with legal immigration enforcement – but they will protect you, your freedoms and our city.”

— Matt Mahan, Mayor of San Jose (San Jose social media post)

What’s next

The Santa Clara County Sheriff's Department has stated that it will not collaborate with ICE on civil immigration enforcement actions, but it remains to be seen how local law enforcement will respond if ICE agents take enforcement actions at the Super Bowl event.

The takeaway

The planned ICE presence at Super Bowl LX has heightened tensions and fears within the local community, particularly among immigrant populations. While local authorities have pledged to maintain public safety and not assist with immigration enforcement, the potential for confrontation or disruption at the high-profile event remains a concern.