ICE to Conduct Enforcement Operations at Super Bowl LX Amid President Trump’s Boycott
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — As anticipation builds for Super Bowl LX on February 8, federal immigration agents will be conducting enforcement operations in and around Levi’s Stadium, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed Monday. The move comes amid heightened political tensions, with President Donald Trump announcing he will boycott this year’s game, citing his disapproval of Grammy-winning artist Bad Bunny’s selection for the halftime show.
Tricia McLaughlin Yoho, Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs at DHS, told reporters that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents will be a visible presence to ensure safety and security during the high-profile event. “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,” she said. “Our mission remains unchanged.”
The Super Bowl matchup features the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks, champions of the AFC and NFC respectively, who secured their spots following Sunday’s conference championship games. The game draws tens of thousands of fans to Santa Clara and millions more watching nationwide, making it one of the largest sporting events in the United States.
ICE’s planned enforcement operations at the event reflect the agency’s broader strategy to maintain public safety during major gatherings. According to ICE’s official website, the agency routinely coordinates with local law enforcement and federal partners to conduct operations that address immigration violations and other enforcement priorities.
Gregory Bovino, chief patrol agent of the El Centro Sector and a commander involved in the planning, emphasized the importance of collaboration. “We work closely with our partners to ensure that our presence does not disrupt the event but enhances overall security,” Bovino said.
President Trump’s decision to boycott the game has drawn significant media attention. The former president publicly criticized the halftime show lineup, particularly the choice of Bad Bunny, a Puerto Rican artist known for his outspoken views and cultural influence. Trump’s stance has sparked debate about the intersection of politics, entertainment, and sports.
While the President’s boycott is symbolic, the federal enforcement presence underscores the administration’s ongoing focus on immigration enforcement, even during widely celebrated cultural events. The Department of Homeland Security has maintained that such operations are essential to uphold the rule of law and public safety.
Local authorities in Santa Clara have expressed support for the federal agencies’ involvement. The city’s police department is coordinating closely with ICE and other federal partners to manage security logistics and minimize disruptions to fans attending the game.
Super Bowl LX is expected to draw a diverse crowd, with fans from across the country and around the world converging on the Bay Area. The event also marks another chapter in the ongoing national conversation about immigration policy and enforcement practices.
For those interested in the broader context of federal immigration enforcement, data and operational details are regularly updated on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website, which provides insight into border security and immigration enforcement activities.
As the nation prepares for one of its most-watched sporting events, the presence of ICE agents at Levi’s Stadium will be closely observed by supporters and critics alike, reflecting the complex dynamics at play between sports, politics, and law enforcement in 2026.
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