Super Bowl Security Sees No ICE Raids in Santa Clara County

Despite Fears, Fans Celebrate Game Without Disruption from Immigration Enforcement

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Santa Clara County residents breathed a sigh of relief as fears of increased federal immigration enforcement during the Super Bowl did not materialize. The Rapid Response Network, a volunteer group documenting ICE activity and providing emergency legal support, reported no confirmed ICE actions during the event. This reflects a broader movement to limit ICE access to local properties, with Santa Clara County and the City of San Jose establishing 'ICE-free zones' to bar federal immigration agents from using county and city facilities for enforcement activities.

Why it matters

The heightened vigilance surrounding the Super Bowl reflects a growing anxiety about federal immigration enforcement in the community. Residents expressed relief that ICE was not visibly present during the event, fearing the disruption it could cause. This movement highlights a growing resistance to federal immigration policies at the local level, with communities seeking to protect residents and create safe spaces.

The details

The Rapid Response Network deployed 200 volunteers to monitor potential hotspots around Levi's Stadium, and the Santa Clara City Council approved a policy prohibiting the use of city property for immigration enforcement. Sheriff Bob Jonsen reported conversations with Department of Homeland Security officials who indicated no planned immigration enforcement related to the Super Bowl. The community's response demonstrates a growing anxiety about federal immigration enforcement, with residents fearing that enforcement is no longer about the law, but about creating fear.

  • The Super Bowl was held on February 10, 2026.
  • The FIFA World Cup is scheduled to take place at Levi's Stadium in June 2026.

The players

Rapid Response Network

A volunteer group that documents ICE activity and provides emergency legal support to individuals and families affected by immigration enforcement.

Huy Tran

Executive Director of Services, Immigrant Rights and Education Network, part of the Rapid Response Network.

Bob Jonsen

The Sheriff of Santa Clara County.

Brandon Johnson

The Mayor of Chicago, who signed an executive order in October laying out rules to restrict ICE access to city properties.

GY

A resident of Santa Clara County who expressed concern that federal immigration enforcement is no longer about the law, but about creating fear.

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What they’re saying

“The approach we've taken since last year has always been: be prepared so we don't have to prepare.”

— Huy Tran, Executive Director of Services, Immigrant Rights and Education Network

“The community's response demonstrates a growing anxiety about federal immigration enforcement. Residents expressed relief that ICE was not visibly present during the Super Bowl, fearing the disruption it could cause.”

— GY

What’s next

The Rapid Response Network is preparing to continue monitoring for potential ICE activity during the FIFA World Cup, which is scheduled to take place at Levi's Stadium in June 2026.

The takeaway

Santa Clara County's actions to establish 'ICE-free zones' and limit federal immigration enforcement during major events like the Super Bowl are part of a growing national movement to protect immigrant rights and create safe spaces for residents. This reflects a broader resistance to federal immigration policies at the local level.