In a significant policy reversal, Immigration and Customs Enforcement has reportedly backed down from its threat to patrol Super Bowl LX, according to sources speaking to TMZ. The Department of Homeland Security will not be sending federal agents to conduct immigration operations at the championship game scheduled for February 8 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
Public Opinion Shifts Against ICE Tactics
The reported decision comes at a critical moment for the agency, with recent polling indicating growing public dissatisfaction with its enforcement methods. A Fox News poll revealed that nearly 60 percent of respondents believe ICE's tactics are "too aggressive," while only 24 percent consider the agency's aggression levels "about right."
This sentiment is echoed in a separate YouGov survey, which found that more than half of Americans have "very little" or no confidence in ICE's actions. The widespread pushback against the agency's operations has created political complications for Republicans, particularly as Senate Democrats recently blocked a funding bill that included resources for DHS immigration officers, demanding reforms before agreeing to pass the legislation.
Security Concerns and Political Fallout
While federal agents routinely provide security support at major events like the Super Bowl, typically collaborating with local and state law enforcement to combat human trafficking and enhance safety, the DHS's reported withdrawal from immigration operations marks a departure from previous messaging. The agency had initially insisted that ICE agents would be present at the game.
DHS Assistant Secretary Trish McLaughlin declined to confirm whether federal agents would conduct immigration operations during the Super Bowl, stating: "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 every major sporting event, including the World Cup. We will not disclose future operations or discuss personnel. Super Bowl security will entail a whole-of-government response conducted in-line with the U.S. Constitution."
Broader Context of Enforcement Controversies
The decision to scale back ICE's presence may have been influenced by recent controversies surrounding the agency's actions. Public outrage followed the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis, incidents that have intensified scrutiny of DHS operations.
Meanwhile, the Super Bowl has become a cultural flashpoint beyond immigration enforcement. President Donald Trump and his supporters have expressed fury over the halftime show lineup, particularly the inclusion of Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny as the headline performer. Trump told the New York Post: "I'm anti-them. I think it's a terrible choice. All it does is sow hatred. Terrible."
The President previously claimed unfamiliarity with Bad Bunny, stating: "I never heard of him. I don't know who he is. I don't know why they're doing it, it's crazy, and then they blame it on some promoter that they hired to pick up entertainment. I think it's absolutely ridiculous."
The Independent has requested comment from the Department of Homeland Security regarding the reported policy change.
