Protesters Rally Against Federal Agents at Super Bowl

Thousands march near Levi's Stadium, calling for ICE to stay out of Bay Area communities.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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On the day of Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, around a thousand people marched nearby, calling for federal immigration agents to stay out of the Bay Area and communities nationwide. The protest was organized by over 130 groups, including the San Jose Community Service Organization, who wanted to send a message that ICE was not welcome in the region.

Why it matters

The protest highlights ongoing tensions between immigrant rights advocates and federal immigration enforcement, with concerns that ICE agents could target undocumented individuals attending or working the Super Bowl event. The demonstration reflects the Bay Area's reputation as a sanctuary for immigrant communities, in contrast with the federal government's immigration crackdown efforts.

The details

The protesters marched about a mile out near Levi's Stadium and then a mile back, chanting slogans and carrying signs against the presence of federal immigration agents. Organizers said the goal was to let visiting fans know that the Bay Area stands with its immigrant communities, even as some state leaders like South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem have threatened to send in federal immigration enforcement.

  • The protest took place on Sunday, February 9, 2026, during Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara.

The players

Pan Garcia Breceda

An organizer with the San Jose Community Service Organization, which helped coordinate the protest.

Berlin Sudduth

A Mountain View resident who participated in the march.

Kristi Noem

The Governor of South Dakota, who has threatened to send federal immigration agents to the Bay Area.

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What they’re saying

“We will not stand by and let her threaten our community, we love our community, we are here for each other, always.”

— Pan Garcia Breceda, Organizer, San Jose Community Service Organization

“When people come from the East Coast, Boston area, or other places from around the world to watch the Super Bowl, hopefully they know this is what this area is about.”

— Berlin Sudduth, Protester, Mountain View resident

What’s next

Organizers say they will continue to monitor the situation and mobilize against any potential federal immigration enforcement actions in the Bay Area.

The takeaway

This protest underscores the Bay Area's reputation as a sanctuary for immigrant communities, even as the federal government has ramped up immigration enforcement efforts in recent years. The demonstration sends a strong message that the region's residents will actively resist any attempts to target undocumented individuals, even at major events like the Super Bowl.