Heightened Security Measures in Place for Super Bowl in San Francisco Area

Federal and local law enforcement coordinate extensive security plan for major event

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Federal and local law enforcement agencies are implementing extensive security measures for the upcoming Super Bowl in the San Francisco Bay Area, including a 'substantial law enforcement presence' and coordination across multiple federal agencies and local police departments. Concerns include potential threats from lone wolf attackers, drones, and cyberattacks.

Why it matters

The Super Bowl is considered a SEAR 1 event, meaning it requires extensive federal security coordination. This level of security is necessary to protect the large crowds and high-profile nature of the event, which is a potential target for criminal and terrorist activity.

The details

Jeff Brannigan, the Department of Homeland Security federal coordinator, stated that the federal government has brought in 'hundreds of federal special agents from across the government' to work with local police departments on security. This includes support from the FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection, and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. Brannigan also mentioned concerns about lone wolf attackers, drone threats, and cyberattacks. Brian Clark of the DEA warned about potential human and drug trafficking around the event.

  • The Super Bowl is scheduled for Sunday, February 9, 2026.

The players

Jeff Brannigan

The Department of Homeland Security federal coordinator overseeing security for the Super Bowl.

Brian Clark

The associate chief of operations for the Drug Enforcement Administration's Pacific and Southwest region.

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What they’re saying

“We have multiple command centers that we are operating as the federal government in concert with our local partners. It's a broad footprint with a lot of personnel. Some are uniformed and, very clearly, government officials of some way.”

— Jeff Brannigan, Department of Homeland Security federal coordinator (ABC News)

“For Super Bowl events, you have a lot of human trafficking that comes in. You'll also see a lot of drug trafficking that comes in the area for parties and things … So we would like to say for people to be aware, to have that conversation. Take this time, when you're gathering with your friends and family, have that conversation about the dangers of fentanyl, because one pill, one time can kill.”

— Brian Clark, Associate chief of operations, DEA Pacific and Southwest region (ABC News)

What’s next

The extensive security measures will remain in place throughout the week leading up to the Super Bowl on February 9, 2026.

The takeaway

The heightened security presence and coordination between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies underscores the importance of protecting large-scale events like the Super Bowl from potential threats. While inconvenient for attendees, these measures are necessary to ensure public safety.