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Santa Clara Sheriff Declares No Local Assistance for ICE During Super Bowl LX
Santa Clara County Sheriff Bob Jonsen has announced that his department will not be collaborating with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in the days leading up to Super Bowl LX, set to be hosted at Levi’s Stadium. The declaration comes amid heightened national tensions following recent fatal shootings by ICE officers in Minneapolis.
Super Bowl LX will see the Seattle Seahawks face off against the New England Patriots, with Bad Bunny slated to perform the halftime show, despite reported objections from President Donald Trump.
The opening month of 2026 has been marked by widespread unrest across the United States, fueled by the deaths of Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti, both shot by ICE officers within a two-week span in Minneapolis.
Despite President Trump’s anticipated absence from the Super Bowl, ICE is expected to have a significant presence in California. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem previously stated that agents would be “all over that place.”
In direct response to Noem’s remarks and the escalating national unrest, Sheriff Jonsen explicitly stated that Santa Clara law enforcement would not support ICE operations.
“We will not be working or supporting ICE Immigration Enforcement,” Jonsen affirmed during a press conference earlier this week. He urged federal partners to communicate openly with local officials regarding any planned operations within the community.
Jonsen emphasized his department’s commitment to public safety and community trust. “If you see us out there, we’re there to help you and we will be there.
Don’t hesitate to contact someone wearing a uniform as these events unfold if they’re walking around trying to engage and make sure you remain safe,” he said. He further clarified that local officers would be visible and identifiable.
“If they’re not masked, if they’re wearing tan and green or blue or black, trust me, they’re there for your protection.”
The Sheriff explained that this decision is rooted in years of dedicated effort to build strong community relationships within Santa Clara. He stressed that his team would remain “open and transparent” in their duties.
“If they’re masked and they’re trying to hide their identity, then somebody hasn’t communicated with us,” Jonsen continued, reiterating that his department’s workforce is instructed to be transparent and engaged with the community. “We’ve spent decades building this community, building that trust. I’ve had conversations with many… over the past year, trying to give you as much information as we can about what we know is gonna happen and when it’s gonna happen and if it’s gonna happen but without that communication we can’t.”