In Santa Clara, California, the host city for Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium, a shadow of anxiety looms over the celebratory atmosphere. Despite official reassurances, residents and local officials are preparing for the possibility of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations during the major sporting event, reflecting broader tensions over immigration policies in the United States.
Community Fear Amid Super Bowl Festivities
With nearly half of Santa Clara's residents born outside the United States, fear has been building as the game approaches. Mayor Lisa Gillmor expressed concerns that people are afraid of being targeted based on skin colour, with some considering leaving the city to avoid potential ICE presence. "They're afraid to send their kids to school," Gillmor said, highlighting the palpable anxiety in the community.
Official Assurances and Ongoing Concerns
This week, the NFL, which partners with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), stated there would be "no planned ICE enforcement activities" during the Super Bowl. Cathy Lanier, the league's chief security officer, affirmed this confidence. Similarly, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced that his office had received assurances of no immigration enforcement tied to the game.
However, the DHS has declined to confirm or deny reports about operations around Levi's Stadium, citing policy against discussing future operations. Tricia McLaughlin, DHS assistant secretary, emphasised the agency's commitment to safety for all major sporting events, including the upcoming World Cup.
Local Preparedness and Resistance
Despite these assurances, Santa Clara County officials remain vigilant. Otto Lee, president of the county board of supervisors, noted that while the NFL's announcement alleviates some fear, the community must prepare for worst-case scenarios. "It helps alleviate some fear in the community, but at the same time, we certainly need to prepare for the worst," Lee stated.
Local authorities have taken concrete steps to resist potential ICE operations. The Santa Clara City Council recently passed an ordinance banning federal authorities from using city property for immigration enforcement. Additionally, Lee warned that ICE agents do not have "absolute immunity" and that local law enforcement would arrest anyone spreading terror or breaking laws in the county.
Broader Implications and Political Backlash
The threat of ICE presence has added challenges to an already demanding year for Santa Clara, which is preparing to host multiple World Cup games this summer. The issue has sparked political backlash, with US Representative Ro Khanna and over twenty other members of Congress sending a letter to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, demanding no deployment of immigration enforcement personnel. They argued that the Super Bowl should be a moment of celebration, not fear or polarisation.
Mayor Gillmor suspects the administration will avoid disrupting the event for wealthy ticket holders, but she emphasised that local law enforcement would not cooperate with ICE agents, as mandated by state law. "I'm trying to calm the waters here to let them know that we have their back in Santa Clara," she said.
Long-Term Anxiety Beyond the Super Bowl
The core issue extends beyond the Super Bowl, with anxiety expected to escalate as the community prepares for the World Cup. Gillmor pointed out that fear has reached a crescendo, but the underlying tensions over ICE operations have been building for a long time and are unlikely to dissipate after the game. "After this game, it's going to reappear again no matter what," she concluded, underscoring the persistent nature of immigration-related fears in the region.
