NFL: No ICE Presence Planned for Super Bowl LX

Law enforcement focused on public safety as 1.3 million visitors expected in San Francisco Bay Area

Feb. 3, 2026 at 10:39pm

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Federal immigration officers will not make an appearance at Super Bowl LX, NFL Chief Security Officer Cathy Lanier announced. The announcement differed from an earlier statement by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem that ICE would be present at the event. San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie said the city's priority is public safety as it welcomes people from around the world for the game and related events.

Why it matters

The NFL's decision not to have ICE present at the Super Bowl comes after controversy over the selection of outspoken anti-ICE performer Bad Bunny as the halftime show headliner. The event is expected to attract over 1 million visitors, raising concerns about potential criminal activity like human trafficking that authorities are working to prevent.

The details

NFL Chief Security Officer Cathy Lanier stated there are no planned ICE or immigration enforcement operations scheduled around the Super Bowl or related events. This differs from an earlier statement by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem that ICE would be 'all over that place.' San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie said the city's focus is on public safety and upholding policies that keep local law enforcement separate from federal immigration enforcement.

  • The Super Bowl LX is scheduled for February 8, 2026.
  • In October 2025, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said ICE would be present at the Super Bowl.
  • On February 2, 2026, NFL Chief Security Officer Cathy Lanier announced there would be no ICE presence at the Super Bowl.

The players

Cathy Lanier

NFL Chief Security Officer who announced there would be no ICE presence at Super Bowl LX.

Kristi Noem

Homeland Security Secretary who previously stated ICE would be present at the Super Bowl.

Daniel Lurie

San Francisco Mayor who said the city's priority is public safety as it welcomes over 1 million visitors for the Super Bowl.

Bad Bunny

Puerto Rican singer selected as the Super Bowl LX halftime show headliner, known for being outspoken against ICE.

Roger Goodell

NFL Commissioner who voiced support for Bad Bunny's halftime show performance.

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What they’re saying

“There are no planned ICE [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] or immigration enforcement operations that are scheduled around the Super Bowl or any Super Bowl-related events.”

— Cathy Lanier, NFL Chief Security Officer (ntd.com)

“We will continue to uphold San Francisco's longstanding policies that keep local law enforcement focused on keeping our city safe—not on federal immigration enforcement.”

— Daniel Lurie, San Francisco Mayor (ntd.com)

“We're confident it's going to be a great show. He understands the platform that he's on, and I think it's going to be exciting and a united moment.”

— Roger Goodell, NFL Commissioner (ntd.com)

What’s next

The San Francisco Police Department and other authorities are conducting targeted operations to prevent exploitation and human trafficking during the Super Bowl weekend.

The takeaway

The NFL's decision not to have ICE present at Super Bowl LX reflects the league's efforts to avoid controversy and keep the focus on the game, while San Francisco officials work to balance public safety with protecting the city's immigrant-friendly policies during the influx of visitors.