As the countdown to the Super Bowl ticks down, Santa Clara County Sheriff Bob Jonsen is making one thing crystal clear: his department won’t be joining forces with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during the big game. In the face of a heightened federal presence in the Bay Area, Jonsen drew a firm line, emphasizing that local law enforcement will not be participating in immigration enforcement activities surrounding the event.
The Super Bowl, set for February 8 at Levi’s Stadium and featuring a heavyweight clash between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks, is expected to bring tens of thousands of fans to Santa Clara. With that kind of spotlight, security is always a top priority. But this year, concerns go beyond the usual logistics of crowd control and traffic management.
The Trump administration has announced plans to deploy ICE agents to the region, with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stating, “We’ll be all over that place.” A Department of Homeland Security (DHS) official added that individuals in the country legally “have nothing to fear.” Still, the prospect of a strong ICE presence has stirred anxiety in immigrant communities across the Bay Area.
Sheriff Jonsen addressed those concerns head-on during a press conference Thursday. “We will not be working or supporting ICE Immigration Enforcement,” he said, making it clear that his department’s focus is on public safety and maintaining trust with the community-not federal immigration crackdowns.
He urged federal agencies to coordinate with local officials before taking any action in the community, warning that a lack of communication can quickly erode the trust law enforcement has worked hard to build. “We’ve spent decades building this community and building that trust,” Jonsen said. “Fear can undo that in an instant.”
For fans heading to Santa Clara, Jonsen offered reassurance. “If you see us out there, we’re there to help you,” he said.
“Don’t hesitate to contact someone wearing a uniform.” He emphasized that local officers will be present, visible, and approachable throughout Super Bowl week.
“If they’re not masked, if they’re wearing tan and green or blue or black, trust me, they’re there for your protection,” he said.
But he also sounded a note of caution. If fans or residents encounter masked agents who appear to be concealing their identities, Jonsen said that’s a sign something’s off. “If they’re masked and they’re trying to hide their identity, then somebody hasn’t communicated with us,” he warned.
This stance comes amid a broader national conversation about law enforcement, immigration, and community trust-especially in the wake of recent high-profile incidents. The fatal shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis and the death of Renee Good, who was shot by ICE officers in her car, have sparked protests and reignited debates about the role of federal agents in local communities.
Some officials in the Trump administration have pointed fingers at local leaders for not cooperating with federal enforcement, but Jonsen’s message is clear: his department’s job is to protect the people of Santa Clara County, not to assist in immigration raids that could sow fear.
Reports on Thursday indicated that ICE has no plans to operate inside Levi’s Stadium or at NFL-sanctioned events during the Super Bowl. Still, DHS has said its security plans remain unchanged. Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated that the department will ensure safety “in-line with the US Constitution.”
Despite those assurances, local leaders remain concerned. San Jose City Council member Peter Ortiz said that fear is already spreading through immigrant communities. “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,” Ortiz said.
President Trump, meanwhile, has announced he won’t attend the Super Bowl. He also took the opportunity to criticize the NFL’s choice of Bad Bunny as the halftime performer. The Puerto Rican artist has previously spoken out against ICE and cited their actions as a reason for avoiding tour stops in the mainland U.S.
As game day approaches, the focus will be on football-but for many in the Bay Area, the stakes go beyond the scoreboard. Sheriff Jonsen is betting that a clear message and a steady presence from local law enforcement can help keep the community safe and united, no matter what plays out on the field.