Santa Clara Sheriff Refuses to Help ICE Around Super Bowl

Sheriff Bob Jonsen says his department will not assist federal immigration enforcement during the big game.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 2:39pm

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Ahead of Super Bowl LX at Levi Stadium in Santa Clara, California, the local sheriff said he is refusing to work with Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. Sheriff Bob Jonsen told residents he will not assist the Department of Homeland Security or its agents, and urged federal authorities to be transparent about any planned operations in the community.

Why it matters

This decision by the Santa Clara sheriff highlights the ongoing tensions between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. It also raises questions about public safety and security measures around major events like the Super Bowl.

The details

Sheriff Jonsen said his department will not be "working or supporting ICE immigration enforcement" during the Super Bowl. He urged federal partners to communicate their plans so local officials can work together, but made clear his department's policies and protocols will not change. Jonsen also told residents to contact local officers if they see any masked law enforcement, as that likely means they are not working with the sheriff's department.

  • The Super Bowl LX is scheduled for February 8, 2026 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

The players

Bob Jonsen

The sheriff of Santa Clara County, California who has refused to work with ICE agents during the Super Bowl.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal immigration enforcement agency that the Santa Clara sheriff has said he will not assist during the Super Bowl.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

The federal agency that oversees ICE, which the Santa Clara sheriff has said he will not work with during the Super Bowl.

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What they’re saying

“We will not be working or supporting ICE immigration enforcement.”

— Bob Jonsen, Santa Clara County Sheriff (theblaze.com)

“I urge our federal partners — if there is something that you're planning to do in our community, please be transparent and reach out to your local officials so we can work as best we can.”

— Bob Jonsen, Santa Clara County Sheriff (theblaze.com)

What’s next

The Department of Homeland Security has stated that its mission remains unchanged and it is committed to working with local partners to ensure safety around the Super Bowl. It remains to be seen how the standoff between the Santa Clara sheriff and federal immigration authorities will be resolved in the lead-up to the big game.

The takeaway

This decision by the Santa Clara sheriff highlights the ongoing tensions between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities, and raises questions about public safety and security measures around major events like the Super Bowl. It underscores the complex and politically charged nature of immigration enforcement in the United States.