DHS Confirms Super Bowl Security Role, Sparking Fears of ICE Enforcement

Federal agency's involvement raises concerns about potential immigration crackdown at major event.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 7:31pm

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The Department of Homeland Security has confirmed it will be involved in security for the upcoming Super Bowl LX in the Bay Area, but has declined to provide specifics on its personnel or operations. This has led to concerns that immigration enforcement by agencies like ICE could be part of the federal role, despite DHS's long-standing involvement in securing major sporting events.

Why it matters

The lack of transparency around DHS's plans has fueled anxiety in the local community, especially given recent high-profile incidents involving federal agents. There are fears that the Super Bowl could become a target for immigration enforcement, which could deter some fans from attending the game.

The details

DHS has traditionally had a presence at the Super Bowl, with the department sending 600 personnel, including ICE and Customs and Border Protection agents, to assist with security for the 2023 game in Arizona. However, the Biden administration's approach and the heightened political tensions around immigration enforcement have raised new concerns about the federal role this year.

  • Super Bowl LX is scheduled for February 11, 2026.
  • DHS confirmed its security involvement for the event this week.

The players

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

The federal agency responsible for securing major events and investigating crimes related to them, such as human trafficking and child exploitation.

Tricia McLaughlin

An assistant secretary at DHS who stated the department is 'committed to working with our local and federal partners to ensure the Super Bowl is safe for everyone involved.'

Juliette Kayyem

A former DHS assistant secretary for intergovernmental affairs under President Barack Obama, who said federal involvement at the Super Bowl would not have drawn scrutiny prior to the Trump era.

Corey Lewandowski

A longtime Trump adviser and current adviser to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who made comments suggesting ICE could target the Super Bowl.

Otto Lee

The Santa Clara County Supervisor who serves as the president of the Board of Supervisors, and vowed to protect residents and not cooperate with ICE.

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What they’re saying

“Our mission remains unchanged.”

— Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary, Department of Homeland Security (eastbaytimes.com)

“There is nowhere that you can provide safe haven to people who are in this country illegally, not the Super Bowl and nowhere else.”

— Corey Lewandowski, Advisor to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem (The Benny Show)

“If anyone comes into our county masked, spreading terror, breaking laws and threatening our residents, they will be arrested. Our Sheriff's Department is working diligently to protect our county's residents, and we will continue to coordinate with local law enforcement agencies throughout the region to ensure a safe event for all.”

— Otto Lee, Santa Clara County Supervisor (eastbaytimes.com)

What’s next

The White House is likely weighing how aggressively to pursue immigration enforcement in the lead-up to the Super Bowl, given the pushback in Minnesota and the administration's interest in ensuring a successful event.

The takeaway

The lack of transparency around DHS's plans for the Super Bowl has fueled anxiety in the local community, raising concerns that the event could become a target for immigration enforcement despite the department's long-standing role in securing major sporting events. This highlights the ongoing tensions around federal law enforcement and immigration policy, and the need for clear communication and coordination between all levels of government.