Homeland Security Mum on Immigration Enforcement at Super Bowl

NFL says no planned ICE operations, but DHS declines to provide details

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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The Department of Homeland Security is declining to provide details about potential immigration enforcement at the upcoming Super Bowl, despite conflicting statements from officials. While Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem previously said ICE would have a presence at the event, the NFL's chief security officer said there were no planned ICE or immigration enforcement operations. DHS is now saying security will involve a "whole-of-government response" but won't disclose specifics.

Why it matters

The mixed messages on immigration enforcement at the Super Bowl come as the issue remains highly contentious, with Democrats demanding reforms to rein in ICE after recent incidents. The Super Bowl halftime show performer, Bad Bunny, has been a vocal critic of the Trump administration's immigration crackdown, prompting some conservatives to organize an alternative "All-American" halftime show.

The details

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem previously told a conservative commentator that ICE would "be all over that place" at the Super Bowl, saying "I think people shouldn't be coming to the Super Bowl unless they're law-abiding Americans who love this country." However, the NFL's chief security officer, Cathy Lanier, said last week that there were "no known, no planned ICE or immigration enforcement operations" scheduled around the Super Bowl. When asked about the conflicting statements, a DHS assistant secretary said they would not disclose future operations or discuss personnel.

  • The Super Bowl is scheduled for February 11, 2026.

The players

Kristi Noem

The Secretary of Homeland Security who previously stated that ICE would have a presence at the Super Bowl.

Cathy Lanier

The NFL's chief security officer who said there were no planned ICE or immigration enforcement operations around the Super Bowl.

Tricia McLaughlin

A DHS assistant secretary who declined to provide details on immigration enforcement plans for the Super Bowl.

Bad Bunny

The headliner for the Super Bowl halftime show who has been a vocal critic of the Trump administration's immigration crackdown.

Turning Point USA

A conservative organization that is putting on an alternative "All-American Halftime Show" in response to Bad Bunny's selection.

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What they’re saying

“We'll be all over that place. I think people shouldn't be coming to the Super Bowl unless they're law-abiding Americans who love this country.”

— Kristi Noem, Secretary of Homeland Security (conservative commentator)

“There are no known, 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 Security Officer (NFL)

“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 (DHS)

“Before I say thanks to God, I'm going to say ICE out. We're not savage, we're not animals, we're not aliens. We are humans, and we are Americans.”

— Bad Bunny (Grammys)

“The All-American Halftime Show is an opportunity for all Americans to enjoy a halftime show with no agenda other than to celebrate faith, family, and freedom.”

— Andrew Kolvet, Spokesperson, Turning Point USA (Turning Point USA)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.