NFL Confirms No ICE Operations Planned for Super Bowl LX

League says federal agents will not conduct immigration enforcement at the big game in California.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 8:31pm

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The NFL has confirmed that there will be no U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations or immigration enforcement activities planned around Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, California this weekend. The league's chief of security, Cathy Lanier, stated there are "no planned ICE or immigration enforcement operations" scheduled for the Super Bowl or related events.

Why it matters

There had been speculation and concerns about potential ICE presence and enforcement actions at the Super Bowl, especially after previous comments from Department of Homeland Security officials about targeting "safe havens" for undocumented immigrants. The NFL's confirmation aims to ease tensions and assure fans that immigration enforcement will not disrupt the big game.

The details

Department of Homeland Security official Jeff Brannigan held private calls with local officials and the NFL, indicating that ICE will not conduct any law enforcement actions during Super Bowl week or at the game itself. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated the agency's focus will be on overall event security, as it has been for past Super Bowls and other major sporting events.

  • The NFL's announcement came on Tuesday, February 4, 2026, ahead of Super Bowl LX on Sunday, February 9, 2026.

The players

Cathy Lanier

The NFL's chief of security who confirmed there will be no ICE operations at Super Bowl LX.

Jeff Brannigan

A Department of Homeland Security official who indicated to the NFL and local officials that ICE will not conduct any law enforcement actions during Super Bowl week.

Tricia McLaughlin

An Assistant Secretary at the Department of Homeland Security who stated the agency's focus will be on overall event security, not immigration enforcement.

Corey Lewandowski

A previous DHS official who had indicated in October that ICE agents could conduct immigration enforcement at the Super Bowl, saying "there is nowhere that you can provide safe haven to people who are in the country illegally."

Bad Bunny

The halftime performer for Super Bowl LX who recently blasted ICE while accepting an award at the Grammys.

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What they’re saying

“There are no planned ICE or immigration enforcement operations that are scheduled around the Super Bowl or any of the Super Bowl-related events.”

— Cathy Lanier, NFL Chief of Security (wxbc1043.com)

“DHS is committed to working with our local and federal partners to ensure the Super Bowl is safe for everyone involved, as we do with every major sporting event, including the World Cup. Our mission remains unchanged. We will not disclose future operations or discuss personnel. Super Bowl security will entail a whole of government response conducted in-line with the U.S. Constitution. Those who are here legally and are not breaking other laws have nothing to fear.”

— Tricia McLaughlin, DHS Assistant Secretary (The Washington Post)

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

— Corey Lewandowski, Former DHS Official (wxbc1043.com)

What’s next

The NFL and DHS will continue to coordinate security efforts for Super Bowl LX, ensuring a safe event for all attendees.

The takeaway

The NFL's confirmation that there will be no ICE operations or immigration enforcement at Super Bowl LX aims to alleviate concerns and tensions around the potential presence of federal agents at the big game. This demonstrates the league's commitment to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for fans, players, and performers alike.