EXCLUSIVE: The NFL has dropped a bombshell denial that ICE agents will be anywhere near Super Bowl 2026—directly contradicting Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's explosive claims that immigration officers would be "all over" the event.
In a stunning press conference, NFL Chief Security Officer Cathy L. Lanier declared: "There are no scheduled ICE or immigration enforcement operations related to the Super Bowl or its associated events. ICE is not assigned to the Super Bowl, and I believe this has been the case for several previous Super Bowls."
This sets up a dramatic clash with Noem, who told Benny Johnson in October: "There will be, because the Department of Homeland Security is responsible for keeping it safe. I am tasked with ensuring that everyone attending the Super Bowl can enjoy it and leave safely."
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem—whose ICE claims are now contradicted by the NFL. Al Drago/Getty
The controversy explodes as Bad Bunny—who has openly feared ICE targeting his fans—prepares to headline the halftime show. The Puerto Rican superstar just won a Grammy and declared "ICE out" on national television, shouting: "We're not savage. We're not animals. We're not aliens. We are humans and we are Americans."
Noem didn't hold back either, blasting the NFL after Johnson suggested Bad Bunny's selection was a message to the Trump administration: "They suck and we'll win and God will bless us. We'll stand and be proud of ourselves at the end of the day, and they won't be able to sleep at night because they don't know what they believe and they're so weak."
Bad Bunny—Grammy winner and halftime headliner—has clashed with ICE and now performs as the NFL denies ICE presence. Amy Sussman/Getty
Lanier confirmed over 35 federal, state, and local agencies will assist with security at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, but emphasized: "There is no planned ICE enforcement activities. We are confident of that." DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin declined to comment when pressed by TheEntBase.
With no current security threats detected, the Super Bowl is now at the center of a political and cultural firestorm—pitting the NFL against a top Trump administration official, all while a headline artist who fears ICE takes the stage.
