Massive Law Enforcement Presence Planned for Super Bowl in San Francisco Area

Federal and local agencies coordinate extensive security measures for high-profile event

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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The Department of Homeland Security has announced a 'substantial law enforcement presence' in the San Francisco Bay Area for the week leading up to Super Bowl Sunday, with hundreds of federal agents from various agencies working alongside local police departments to provide comprehensive security for the high-profile event.

Why it matters

The Super Bowl is designated as a SEAR 1 event, meaning it requires extensive federal coordination and security planning due to the large crowds, high-profile nature, and potential threats such as lone wolf attacks, drone activity, and cyberattacks. This level of security is critical to ensuring public safety and preventing any disruptions to the festivities.

The details

Jeff Brannigan, the DHS federal coordinator, said the security footprint will include air support, maritime support, and ground forces, with resources from the FBI, ATF, U.S. Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection, and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. The DEA is also providing support to address concerns about drug trafficking and human trafficking around the event.

  • The enhanced security presence will begin in the week leading up to Super Bowl Sunday on February 9, 2026.

The players

Jeff Brannigan

The Department of Homeland Security federal coordinator overseeing the security planning for the Super Bowl in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Brian Clark

The associate chief of operations for the Drug Enforcement Administration's Pacific and Southwest region, who is providing support to state and local law enforcement for the Super Bowl.

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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, DHS 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 enhanced security measures and law enforcement presence will remain in place throughout the week leading up to Super Bowl Sunday on February 9, 2026.

The takeaway

The extensive security coordination and 'substantial law enforcement presence' in the San Francisco Bay Area for the Super Bowl underscores the critical importance of protecting large-scale public events from potential threats, while also addressing concerns around issues like human trafficking and drug trafficking that often accompany such high-profile gatherings.