February 3, 2026
No ICE operations planned at Super Bowl despite earlier DHS statements
Reverses Noem's October threat after Bad Bunny booking; Sheriff Jonsen says county won't assist ICE
DHS declined to confirm or deny ICE operations around Super Bowl LX on February 8, 2026. The department refused to comment on potential enforcement actions at Levi Stadium in Santa Clara, California, citing operational security and standard practice of not discussing future operations.
Corey Lewandowski publicly asserted on February 5, 2026 that ICE would target undocumented attendees at high-profile events. The senior advisor told reporters that immigration enforcement would include monitoring crowds and identifying undocumented individuals at major public gatherings.
Local activist organizations organized Know Your Rights outreach around Levi Stadium in the days leading up to the Super Bowl. Groups including SIREN, Asian Law Caucus, and other immigrant rights organizations distributed information about constitutional rights during encounters with immigration officials.
NFL and local law enforcement denied receiving formal requests for ICE deployment within stadium premises. Santa Clara police stated they had no coordination with ICE for Super Bowl security and that immigration enforcement was not part of their planning for the event.
Activists cited recent fatal shootings of U.S. citizens by federal agents in Minneapolis as context for their concerns. The January deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti during ICE operations raised fears about similar incidents occurring during large public gatherings.
California sanctuary laws restrict local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration authorities. The state laws prohibit local police from asking about immigration status or participating in federal immigration enforcement, creating potential jurisdictional conflicts during Super Bowl operations.
The Super Bowl enforcement concerns reflected broader Trump administration immigration enforcement priorities. The administration had increased workplace raids, street arrests, and other enforcement actions in Democratic-led states that limited cooperation with federal authorities.
Immigrant community leaders reported increased fear and anxiety in the weeks leading up to the Super Bowl. Many undocumented individuals avoided public gatherings and large events due to concerns about potential immigration enforcement actions.
People, bills, and sources
Corey Lewandowski
Senior Advisor
Tricia McLaughlin
DHS Assistant Secretary
SIREN
Immigrant rights organization
Santa Clara Police Department
Local law enforcement
NFL
Sports league
What you can do
1
civic action
Support immigrant rights organizations providing legal assistance
Donate to or volunteer with groups like SIREN that provide Know Your Rights education and legal assistance to immigrant communities. These organizations help people understand their constitutional rights and provide support during immigration enforcement encounters.
info@siren-bayarea.org
My name is [Name] and I am calling to support SIREN work providing Know Your Rights education and legal assistance to immigrant communities. I am concerned about potential ICE enforcement at public events and want to help fund legal support and rights education.
2
understanding
Learn your constitutional rights during immigration encounters
Study your constitutional rights during encounters with immigration officials, including the right to remain silent, the right to refuse consent to searches, and the right to speak with an attorney. Understanding these rights helps protect you during immigration enforcement.
info@nilc.org
I am calling to learn about constitutional rights during immigration encounters. With concerns about ICE enforcement at public events, I want to understand what rights I have and how to protect myself during encounters with immigration officials.
3
civic action
Contact your representatives about immigration enforcement at public events
Urge your representatives to oppose immigration enforcement at public events and gatherings that could chill participation in civic life. Ask them to support policies that protect constitutional rights during immigration enforcement.
find your representative at congress.gov
My name is [Name] and I am calling about concerns regarding immigration enforcement at public events like the Super Bowl. I urge the representative to oppose enforcement at public gatherings that could chill participation in civic life and violate constitutional rights.