U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will not back down-even at the Super Bowl. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed today that ICE will maintain a presence at Levi’s Stadium on February 8, though officials declined to provide details about any potential operation.
Concerns about the agency’s presence on Super Bowl Sunday have grown following recent incidents that resulted in the deaths of two civilians.
The controversial actions of ICE agents that led to the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti have sparked tensions and protests not only in Minnesota but across the country.
Despite the backlash, Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security Tricia McLaughlin assured that ICE will be present at both the Super Bowl and upcoming World Cup matches
ICE agents to monitor Levi’s Stadium
“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,” McLaughlin stated.
Declining to provide specifics about personnel or operations, McLaughlin emphasized:
“Super Bowl security will entail a whole-of-government response conducted in line with the U.S. Constitution.”
She stressed that the mission of DHS and ICE remains unchanged, while adding: “Those who are legal and are not breaking other laws have nothing to fear.”
ICE’s recent actions leave NFL fans concerned
The first month of 2026 brought two tragedies directly linked to ICE. On January 7, Renee Good was killed by Agent Jonathan Ross after blocking a road in Minneapolis.
Just weeks later, on January 24, U.S. Veterans Affairs nurse Alex Pretti was shot and killed by Border Patrol agents, despite carrying a firearm with all required permits.
These incidents have fueled nationwide protests against ICE’s actions, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty leading up to Super Bowl LX, where the New England Patriots will face the Seattle Seahawks.
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