Santa Clara Blocks ICE from City Properties Ahead of Super Bowl

New policy aims to prevent immigration enforcement during major sporting event.

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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In response to concerns that the Bay Area could be targeted for immigration raids during Super Bowl week, the city of Santa Clara has enacted a last-minute policy to prevent federal agents from using city-owned properties for immigration enforcement activities.

Why it matters

The Super Bowl is one of the biggest sporting events in the world, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors to the Bay Area. There were fears that the influx of people could lead to increased immigration enforcement targeting undocumented residents, prompting the city to take action to protect its immigrant community.

The details

Santa Clara's new policy blocks U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from accessing any city-owned properties, including the stadium that will host the Super Bowl. The move comes after pressure from local advocates and residents concerned about potential immigration raids during the high-profile event.

  • The new policy was enacted just ahead of Super Bowl LX, which will be held in Santa Clara on February 9, 2026.

The players

Santa Clara

The city in California that will host Super Bowl LX and has enacted a policy to block ICE from accessing city-owned properties during the event.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal agency responsible for immigration enforcement that will be prevented from using Santa Clara's city-owned properties under the new policy.

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What they’re saying

“We must protect our immigrant community and ensure the Super Bowl is a safe and welcoming event for all.”

— Lisa Gillmor, Mayor of Santa Clara (Santa Clara Times)

What’s next

The policy will remain in effect for the duration of Super Bowl LX and the surrounding events.

The takeaway

This move by Santa Clara highlights the growing tensions around immigration enforcement and the desire of local governments to shield their immigrant communities, even during high-profile events that draw large crowds from around the world.