The Department of Homeland Security has confirmed that Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents will be deployed to carry out immigration enforcement operations during next month's Super Bowl LX, despite mounting public opposition inspired by recent violent incidents in Minnesota.
Security Operations at Levi's Stadium
The NFL championship game between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots is scheduled to take place at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on Sunday, February 8, 2026. Assistant DHS Secretary Tricia McLaughlin emphasized that the department's approach remains consistent with previous major sporting events, including the World Cup.
"The DHS is committed to working with our local and federal partners to ensure the Super Bowl is safe for everyone involved," McLaughlin told The Independent. "Our mission remains unchanged. 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."
Public Reassurances and Growing Tensions
McLaughlin sought to reassure the public by stating that "those who are here legally and are not breaking other laws have nothing to fear." However, this assurance comes against a backdrop of increasing unrest across the United States.
The controversy has been fueled by President Donald Trump's intensified crackdown on undocumented migrants, which gained particular momentum after two U.S. citizens were shot dead by federal forces in Minneapolis. The Independent has reached out to the White House, ICE, and the offices of California Democrats Gavin Newsom, Nancy Pelosi, and Ro Khanna for further comment on the planned operations.
Event Context and Public Response
The Super Bowl typically attracts massive crowds, with New Orleans estimating that approximately 125,000 people arrived for Super Bowl LIX last year. Tickets for the upcoming game at the 68,500-capacity Levi's Stadium were originally priced from $950 to $8,500, though the cheapest tickets currently available on resale markets are reportedly going for around $6,000.
Trump's immigration forces have maintained an active presence in California since last year, moving into Downtown Los Angeles in June where they encountered widespread protests. This compelled the president to federalize the state's National Guard to maintain order, despite warnings from Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass that such escalation risked inflaming the situation further.
Escalating National Controversy
The administration's immigration crackdown has grown increasingly contentious in recent months. Operation Midway Blitz faced significant resistance in Chicago, while the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis have dramatically increased tensions nationwide.
With public opinion turning against the deportation push—particularly after both killings were captured on video from multiple angles, contradicting official accounts—President Trump has been forced to take action. On Monday, he placed border czar Tom Homan in charge of the 3,000 federal agents deployed to Minneapolis, sending Customs and Border Protection Commander Greg Bovino back to California.
The president also held late-night crisis talks with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who has insisted that Alex Pretti "violently" attacked federal agents. Additionally, Trump held calls with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, pledging a new spirit of cooperation after weeks of complaints from both officials about ICE and other immigration forces "terrorizing" their citizens.
This criticism prompted the Department of Justice to open an investigation into Walz and Frey, accusing them of obstructing federal law enforcement. As Super Bowl LX approaches, the planned ICE operations represent another flashpoint in the ongoing national debate about immigration enforcement methods and their impact on community relations.
