Sheriff Urges ICE to Be Transparent About Super Bowl Operations

Santa Clara County sheriff calls for open communication with federal immigration authorities ahead of big game.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 7:31am

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The Santa Clara County sheriff is urging Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to be transparent about any potential federal immigration operations around Levi's Stadium during Super Bowl LX. The sheriff said local authorities will not change their policies or protocols, and they are there to help protect attendees. However, the sheriff warned that if ICE agents are masked and trying to hide their identity, then communication has broken down.

Why it matters

The sheriff's call for transparency comes amid mixed messaging from the Trump administration about whether ICE will have a presence at the Super Bowl. This raises concerns about potential immigration enforcement actions disrupting the big game and causing fear among attendees.

The details

Sheriff Robert Jonsen said there is a 'high probability' that those attending the game will see people in uniform, but he noted that if officers are 'not masked, if they're wearing tan and green or blue or black, trust me, they're there for your protection.' However, the sheriff warned that 'if they're masked and they're trying to hide their identity, then someone hasn't communicated with us.'

  • Super Bowl LX is scheduled for February 8, 2026.

The players

Robert Jonsen

The sheriff of Santa Clara County, California.

Tricia McLaughlin

A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security.

Corey Lewandowski

A former adviser to President Trump.

Karoline Leavitt

The White House press secretary.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States.

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What they’re saying

“So 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.”

— Robert Jonsen, Santa Clara County Sheriff

“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 Spokesperson (KQED)

“We will find you. We will apprehend you. We will put you in a detention facility, and we will deport you. So know that that is a very real situation under this administration, which is completely contrary to what how it used to be.”

— Corey Lewandowski, DHS Adviser (The Benny Show)

“There is no tangible plan for ICE to be at the Super Bowl.”

— Karoline Leavitt, White House Press Secretary

“I will not attend the game, it's just too far away.”

— Donald Trump (New York Post)

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.