Santa Clara Sheriff Has a Message For ICE Ahead Of Super Bowl 60

January 30, 2026, 5:17pm EST 1K+ • By Arnab Mondal

A sheriff’s stance creates new issue as Super Bowl week approaches.

Santa Clara County Sheriff Bob Jonsen has drawn a clear line ahead of next week’s Super Bowl. He says his department will not assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement during the event. His comments come as federal officials signal a strong ICE presence in the Bay Area.

The Super Bowl between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks will take place on February 8 at Levi’s Stadium. The Trump administration plans to deploy ICE agents to the region. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem previously said, “We’ll be all over that place.” A DHS official added this week that people in the country legally “have nothing to fear.”

Jonsen came up openly on Thursday. He said local law enforcement will not change its approach. “We will not be working or supporting ICE Immigration Enforcement,” Jonsen told reporters. He urged federal agencies to communicate with local officials before acting in the community.

Sheriff Vows Transparency As Tensions Rise

Super Bowl Trophy (Photo Via Imagn Images)
Jonsen said his priority remains public safety and trust. He reassured fans traveling to Santa Clara for the game. “If you see us out there, we’re there to help you,” he said. “Don’t hesitate to contact someone wearing a uniform.”

He stressed that local officers will remain visible and approachable. “If they’re not masked, if they’re wearing tan and green or blue or black, trust me, they’re there for your protection,” Jonsen said. He warned residents to stay alert if they encounter masked agents. “If they’re masked and they’re trying to hide their identity, then somebody hasn’t communicated with us,” he said.

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The sheriff pointed to years of community outreach. He said fear could undo that work. “We’ve spent decades building this community and building that trust,” he said. He added that poor communication only raises anxiety.

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Recent deadly incidents involving law enforcement have influenced all these decisions. The fatal shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis and the death of Renee Good, who ICE officers shot in her car, sparked protests nationwide. Some Trump administration officials blame local leaders for not backing federal enforcement.

Reports on Thursday claimed ICE has no plans to operate inside Levi’s Stadium during the Super Bowl or at NFL events. DHS told TMZ its plans remain unchanged. DHS assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin said the department will ensure safety “in-line with the US constitution.”

Local officials still worry about fear in immigrant communities. San Jose City Council member Peter Ortiz said residents feel unsafe. “We’re already seeing that they are scared to go out to eat, scared to go to the local corner store, scared to send their kids to school.” he told the San Jose Spotlight.

President Trump said he will skip the Super Bowl. He also criticized the choice of Bad Bunny as the halftime performer. The artist has cited ICE actions as a reason he avoided mainland US tour dates.