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The NFL on Tuesday ended weeks of speculation about possible U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations taking place this weekend during the Super Bowl in California.
NFL security chief Cathy Lanier spoke at a news conference ahead of the big matchup between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks to confirm that federal agents would not conduct immigration operations during Super Bowl LX, which takes place Sunday at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara.
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 ICE operations or immigration enforcement planned around the Super Bowl or any other Super Bowl-related event,” Lanier said.
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The news follows a report from The Washington Post Monday confirmed the same thing.
The presence of federal agents at Levi’s Stadium has not been completely ruled out, leading to pressure on the league to confirm whether the presence would be linked to possible immigration enforcement operations.
Department of Homeland Security official Jeff Brannigan held a series of private calls with local officials and the NFL, during which he indicated that ICE does not plan to conduct enforcement actions 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, Deputy Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said the focus will be on security — as has been the case 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 everyone 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 not violating other laws have nothing to fear.”
Tuesday’s confirmation contrasts with previous remarks made by the administration about potential operations surrounding the Super Bowl. In October, DHS official Corey Lewandowski indicated that ICE agents might conduct immigration checks at the game.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell speaks during his State of the NFL press conference Monday, Feb. 2, 2026, in San Jose, Calif., before the Super Bowl 60 football game between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots. (AP Photo/Matt York)
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“There is nowhere you can provide sanctuary to people who are in the country illegally, not at the Super Bowl, not anywhere else,” he said at the time.
Tensions surrounding ICE’s operations in Minneapolis spilled over into the Super Bowl. This year’s halftime performer Bad Bunny blew up ICE by accepting an award at the Grammys on Sunday.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said Monday that he thought the entertainer understood the power of the Super Bowl performance “to unite people and to be able to bring them together.”
