Immigration and Customs Enforcement appears to be reversing its earlier threat to patrol the Super Bowl later this year, according to unnamed sources cited by TMZ. The sources told the outlet that the Department of Homeland Security will not send federal agents to conduct immigration operations at Super Bowl LX, scheduled for 8 February at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. DHS reportedly also said ICE will not be present at any NFL-sponsored events in the city around the game.
The reversal comes after a Fox News poll found nearly 60 per cent of respondents considered ICE's tactics 'too aggressive', with only 24 per cent saying aggression levels were 'about right'. Another YouGov poll indicated that more than half of Americans have 'very little' or no confidence in the agency. The widespread backlash has been fuelled by the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis.
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... We will not disclose future operations or discuss personnel.' The controversy comes as Senate Democrats demand reforms to ICE before approving funding for DHS federal immigration officers.
The Super Bowl has also drawn political fire over its halftime show, featuring Puerto Rican star Bad Bunny. President Donald Trump called the choice 'terrible', saying it 'sows hatred', and claimed he did not know who Bad Bunny was. Pre-game performers Green Day also attracted criticism from Trump.
