NFL Security Chief Assures Public: No ICE Enforcement Plans for the Super Bowl
Amid growing discussions around immigration rights surrounding Super Bowl LX’s halftime show, the NFL has announced that no presence from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is anticipated at this year’s game.
During a press conference on Wednesday, Cathy L. Lanier, the NFL’s chief security officer, confirmed that ICE officers will not be present at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, where the Seahawks and Patriots are set to compete for the championship.
“There are no planned ICE or immigration enforcement operations that are scheduled around the Super Bowl or any of the Super Bowl-related events,” Lanier stated. “Consistent with previous years, we’re supported by more than 35 federal, state, and local agencies. All these agencies are here to ensure that the Super Bowl and the surrounding community are safe while we carry out all the fun activities around the Super Bowl.”
Lanier further assured attendees, saying, “There is no planned ICE enforcement activities. We are confident of that.”
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Lanier emphasized the NFL’s longstanding collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security, stating that while several agencies will be dispatched, ICE will not be among them. “There is nothing on our radar” regarding ICE actions at the game, she added.
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Lanier also mentioned the involvement of various intelligence units monitoring the event, assuring that no credible threats have been identified. “We’re feeling really good going into this period,” she stated.
The announcement comes after Bad Bunny was selected to perform at this year’s halftime show. Previously, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem expressed concerns about potential ICE presence at the event, stating the agency would “be all over that place.”
The artist has voiced his apprehensions regarding the impact of ICE on his fans, noting that he chose not to include U.S. stops in his Debí Tirar Más Fotos World Tour due to concerns about potential deportation threats. “There were many reasons why I didn’t show up in the U.S., and none of them were out of hate—I’ve performed there many times,” he explained. “I’ve enjoyed connecting with Latinos who have been living in the U.S. There was the issue of—like, fucking ICE could be outside [my concert].”
