ICE says it will be active during the Super Bowl, and nothing about it feels routine

Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents are confirmed to be conducting active enforcement operations around Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, California. As reported by Fox News, the effort is expected to be highly visible around Levi’s Stadium, where the New England Patriots are scheduled to face the Seattle Seahawks.

This presence is not being framed as routine security. The story gained traction after federal officials confirmed the enforcement activity would continue during the game, signaling an unusually direct federal posture at one of the country’s largest sporting events.

Officials have emphasized that the operations are tied to broader federal immigration enforcement rather than the Super Bowl itself, but the timing and visibility have made the situation stand out compared to previous years.

This year’s Super Bowl security comes with unmistakable political weight

The enforcement push traces back to a White House directive that, according to DHS advisor Corey Lewandowski, would not be paused for the Super Bowl. Speaking in October, Lewandowski said there would be no safe havens, including major sporting events, and warned that those in the country illegally could expect enforcement actions, a stance not unlike the pressure around Trump’s recent Truth Social clash with California leadership over national policy.

While the rhetoric was forceful, DHS officials have also attempted to reassure the public. Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin Yoho said the department is working with local and federal partners to ensure safety, adding that individuals who are in the country legally and not breaking other laws have nothing to fear. She also stated that operations would be conducted in line with the U.S. Constitution, though the expanded federal presence remains noticeable.

President Trump will not be attending the game, despite having been present at Super Bowl LIX last year in New Orleans. He reportedly told sources that California was too far away, while also suggesting that the Super Bowl audience supports him. The administration’s broader political battles echo recent debates over national leadership direction and strategy in Washington over Europe Trade deal being delayed.

Instead, the president has focused his attention on criticizing the event’s entertainment lineup. He has publicly criticized both halftime headliner Bad Bunny and pre-kickoff act Green Day, singling out Bad Bunny as an especially questionable choice and saying he was unfamiliar with the artist.

Bad Bunny, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, has previously spoken about concerns related to ICE enforcement. He has said those concerns influenced his decision to do a residency in Puerto Rico, citing fears that ICE could be present outside concerts in the United States.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell addressed backlash over the halftime selection during the league’s October 2025 Fall League Meeting. He defended the choice by pointing to Bad Bunny’s global popularity, stating that the league aims to feature leading entertainers on one of its biggest stages.