Concern over possible immigration raids at the Super Bowl
Immigrant organizations fear ICE raids during the 2026 Super Bowl. The debate pits national security against civil rights.
Photo of Jorge Rojas in Unsplash
In the days leading up to the 2026 Super Bowl, civil rights organizations and community leaders have expressed concern about the possibility of immigration raids during the United States' most important sporting event. Tensions increased after immigration advocacy groups warned of the possible deployment of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in areas near the stadium and in high-density crowds.
Although federal authorities have not yet confirmed any specific operations linked to the Super Bowl, fear has spread among undocumented immigrant communities living in cities hosting the event. For many, the combination of great media visibility and massive public gathering turns the Super Bowl into a risk scenario for immigration control actions.
Divided reactions
In the podcast episode The Benny Show, hosted by conservative commentator Benny Johnson, former Donald Trump campaign manager and Department of Homeland Security advisor Corey Lewandowski warned that ICE agents would be present at the Super Bowl during Bad Bunny's performance.
Johnson posed the question directly and moderated the conversation, in which Lewandowski stated that “there is no place where you can provide sanctuary for people who are in this country illegally… not at the Super Bowl or anywhere else.”
Activists have denounced that such an operation would be intimidating and discriminatory, endangering the safety of migrant families. They point out that sporting events should be spaces for unity and celebration, not fear.
On the other hand, some sectors that support stricter control measures argue that ICE's presence at large events responds to the need to guarantee national security and prevent incidents.
Why ICE raids at the Super Bowl?
The debate comes at a time of heightened polarization over immigration policy in the United States. ICE raids have been used in the past as a deterrent strategy, although they often generate strong criticism and social protests. The potential presence of agents at the Super Bowl would not only have an impact on immigrant communities, but could also spark a national discussion about the boundaries between security and civil rights.
For now, uncertainty persists. Meanwhile, local organizations have recommended that undocumented immigrants stay informed, know their rights, and avoid unnecessary exposure during the event weekend.
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