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The NFL on Tuesday ended weeks of speculation about potential US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations taking place at the Super Bowl in California this weekend.
NFL security chief Cathy Lanier spoke at a press conference ahead of the big showdown between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks to confirm that federal agents will not conduct immigration enforcement operations at Super Bowl LX, which takes place at Levis Stadium in Santa Clara on Sunday.
NFL Chief Security Officer Cathy L. Lanier speaks during the Super Bowl LIX Public Safety Press Conference at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. The event took place in New Orleans, Louisiana on February 3, 2025. (Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
“There are no scheduled ICE or immigration enforcement operations scheduled around the Super Bowl or any of the Super Bowl-related events,” Lanier said.
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The news comes after a report from Washington Post Monday confirmed the same.
The presence of federal agents at Levi’s Stadium has not been completely ruled out, leading to pressure on the league to confirm whether that presence would be connected to any immigration enforcement operations.
Department of Homeland Security official Jeff Brannigan hosted a series of private calls with local officials and the NFL, in which he indicated that ICE does not plan to conduct any law enforcement actions during the week of the Super Bowl or at the game, the Associated Press reported, citing sources.
Advocates hold signs during a rally at NFL headquarters to protest planned immigration and customs enforcement operations for Super Bowl LX. The event took place in New York, New York on February 3, 2026. (Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for MoveOn Civic Action)
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DHS agents will be present, but in a statement to The Post, Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said the focus will be on security — as it has been at previous Super Bowls and sporting events.
“DHS is committed to working with our local and federal partners to ensure the Super Bowl is safe for all involved, as we do with any major sporting event, including the World Cup. Our mission remains unchanged,” McLaughlin said. “We will not disclose future operations or discuss personnel. Super Bowl security will involve a whole-of-government response conducted in accordance with the U.S. Constitution. Those who are here legally and are not breaking any other laws have nothing to fear.”
Tuesday’s confirmation contrasts with previous remarks from the administration about the potential operations surrounding the Super Bowl. In October, DHS official Corey Lewandowski indicated that ICE agents could conduct immigration enforcement at the fight.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell speaks during his state of the NFL news conference Monday, Feb. 2, 2026, in San Jose, Calif., prior to the Super Bowl 60 football game between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots. (AP Photo/Matt York)
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“There’s nowhere you can provide a safe haven for people who are in the country illegally, not the Super Bowl, not anywhere else,” he said at the time.
Tensions surrounding ICE operations in Minneapolis have made their way to the Super Bowl. Halftime Artist of the Year Bad Bunny blasted ICE while accepting an award at the Grammys on Sunday.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said Monday that he believes the artist understands the power of the Super Bowl spectacle “to unite people and be able to bring people together.”
