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Reports indicate that ICE will not conduct immigration enforcement operations at Sunday's Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, easing concerns that had grown after recent protests against the agency.
Demonstrations erupted nationwide following the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens, Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti, in Minneapolis last month.
The deaths sparked outrage over the agency's tactics under the President Trump administration.
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The controversy intensified as Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny was confirmed as the halftime performer, having publicly criticized ICE during his Grammy Awards acceptance speech last weekend.
His remarks raised fears of a potential immigration raid at Levi's Stadium during the NFL's championship game between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks.
A leaked memo reveals all
Despite earlier statements from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem suggesting heightened federal presence, The Washington Post reported that the Bay Area Super Bowl host committee has assured local officials in San Francisco, Santa Clara, and San Jose that no immigration operations are planned.
A 'leaked' memo from the committee stated: "Public safety is our top priority for Super Bowl LX. We have been in daily contact with the NFL, which has confirmed the following with the Department of Homeland Security: There are no planned ICE immigration enforcement operations associated with SBLX."
The memo also emphasized that DHS agents will be present to maintain overall security in coordination with NFL security and local law enforcement.
"The federal security presence at SBLX is consistent with past Super Bowls and comparable to how DHS protects other major sporting events like the Olympics and World Cup," the committee added.
Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin reiterated the department's stance in a statement: "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. Our mission remains unchanged," she clarified.
"We will not disclose future operations or discuss personnel. Super Bowl security will entail a whole of government response conducted in-line with the U.S. Constitution. Those who are here legally and are not breaking other laws have nothing to fear."
The NFL stay quiet
Meanwhile, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell did not directly address concerns about potential ICE activity during his annual Super Bowl press conference on Monday.
The halftime show featuring Bad Bunny has drawn polarized reactions, particularly among MAGA supporters upset by his criticism of Trump's immigration policy.
Bad Bunny told the audience after winning the award for best urbana album: "Before I say thanks to God, I'm going to say: ICE out. We're not savages, we're not animals, we're not aliens. We are humans. And we are Americans. The only thing that is more powerful than hate is love."
While Trump was initially expected to skip the Super Bowl due to the controversial entertainment choices and travel distance from the East Coast, his potential attendance may increase security requirements inside Levi's Stadium.
Officials remain focused on ensuring fan safety while balancing concerns over political expression during the league's biggest event. Still, the shadow of ICE lurks over the biggest sporting event of the year.