Protesters on Saturday gathered outside Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, denouncing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations as the Super Bowl venue came under close watch ahead of Sunday's kickoff.
The Super Bowl, the biggest sporting event in the United States, is set to take place in the San Francisco Bay Area on Sunday. Last October, Trump administration officials, including Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, said ICE would maintain a visible presence around the game.
From road closures to expanded Coast Guard patrols, law enforcement agencies are working overtime to safeguard more than 90,000 visitors expected in the Bay Area.
Fans from across the country have already been attending events such as the Super Bowl Experience, hoping the festivities unfold smoothly without clashes between ICE and the community.
"This is supposed to be for fans. And it's you know, politics shouldn't get involved in sports," said a fan.
"Football is a thing that unites us. So, hopefully there won't be any controversy that will divide," said another fan.
Santa Clara County Supervisor Susan Ellenberg urged residents to remain vigilant, warning the community to stay alert despite assurances that ICE would not conduct operations during the Super Bowl.
"I know that we have been told that it won't happen. This government has not proven to be extraordinarily trustworthy. So, erring on the side of safety, people should take care in where they go. They should be very attuned to their surroundings. And for anyone, if you see something, if you see suspected ICE behavior, say something," said Ellenberg.
Along the perimeter and in the restricted zones outside Levi's Stadium, daily protests have been staged by various groups in the run-up to the Super Bowl. One demonstration was even held outside a local hospital, highlighting the breadth of community opposition to ICE's presence.
Darcie Green, executive director of Latinas Contra Cancer, said the protests aim to send a message that everyone in the community deserves access to health care, regardless of immigration status.
"People have less access to care. ICE is making people afraid to leave their homes, afraid to go to the doctor, afraid to take their children to get care that they need. That is bad for all of us," said Green.
Green said ICE should not be present at the Super Bowl under any circumstances, rejecting federal assurances that no enforcement operations would take place.
"Whether it's ICE, local law enforcement or other agencies, people are already living in fear, right? ICE is already here. They should never come over because this community is organizing itself. This community is prepared and this community is ready to protect each other," she said.
At the same time, Ellenberg cautioned that if ICE makes a surprise appearance during the Super Bowl, its conduct must be closely monitored.
"I know our Sheriff's department, San Jose Police Department, and now the city of Santa Clara, all have policies around non-cooperation and what behavior we expect from ICE. The critical question is going to be on enforcement if and when ICE breaches our policies. Will they be arrested? Will they be held to account?" said Ellenberg.
ICE presence sparks protests ahead of Super Bowl in California
