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California Sheriff Refuses to Support ICE Operations Around Super Bowl LX
Santa Clara County Sheriff Bob Jonsen says local law enforcement will focus on keeping residents and tourists safe, not assisting federal immigration agents.
Jan. 30, 2026 at 2:47am
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U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is planning to have a presence at Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, California next month, but the county sheriff made clear he won't be supporting the agency's operations. Santa Clara County Sheriff Bob Jonsen said local law enforcement will be focused on keeping residents and visitors safe, and will not be working to assist ICE with any immigration enforcement actions during the event.
Why it matters
This decision by the sheriff highlights the ongoing tensions between local and federal authorities over immigration enforcement, especially at high-profile events that draw large crowds. It also raises questions about coordination and communication between different law enforcement agencies for major events like the Super Bowl.
The details
Sheriff Jonsen stated that while local law enforcement will be present to protect residents and tourists, they will not be supporting any ICE operations or enforcement actions. He urged federal partners to be transparent about their plans and to coordinate with local officials. Jonsen emphasized that the department has spent years building trust with the community and wants to maintain that by being open and engaged during the Super Bowl.
- Super Bowl LX is scheduled to take place in Santa Clara, California next month.
- Sheriff Jonsen made his comments at a news conference on January 29, 2026.
The players
Bob Jonsen
The sheriff of Santa Clara County, California.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
A federal law enforcement agency under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that is responsible for enforcing immigration laws.
Seattle Seahawks
One of the teams playing in Super Bowl LX.
New England Patriots
The other team playing in Super Bowl LX.
What they’re saying
“So, I urge our federal partners, if there's something that you're planning to do in our community, please, please be transparent and reach out to your local officials so we can work as best we can.”
— Bob Jonsen, Santa Clara County Sheriff (wxbc1043.com)
“We are going to be here for you, side-by-side. So, as you're getting off those trains, you're getting off those buses, yeah, high probability you're going to see somebody in uniform. But if they're not masked, if they're wearing tan and green or blue and black, trust me, they're there for your protection. They're there for your protection.”
— Bob Jonsen, Santa Clara County Sheriff (wxbc1043.com)
What’s next
The Department of Homeland Security has stated that immigration enforcement operations will continue during the Super Bowl, despite the sheriff's refusal to assist. It remains to be seen how this will play out in the days leading up to the big game.
The takeaway
This clash between local and federal authorities over immigration enforcement at a major event like the Super Bowl highlights the ongoing tensions and lack of coordination between different law enforcement agencies, which can create confusion and uncertainty for residents and visitors.
