
CA leaders urge ICE to stay away from Super Bowl

Immigration advocates across the Bay Area say they remain wary of Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity around Super Bowl weekend, despite repeated assurances from the NFL and local law enforcement that large-scale immigration raids are not expected.
The concern, advocates say, is less about a specific threat and more about a broader erosion of trust in ICE as an agency. Years of high-profile enforcement actions and limited transparency have left some communities skeptical of official reassurances - even during one of the country's largest sporting events.
Rep. John Garamendi, D-Walnut Creek, said the skepticism stems from a lack of responsiveness from federal officials. "I don't trust these characters at all," Garamendi told ABC7, adding that congressional oversight of the agency has been "seriously hindered."
While ICE and the Department of Homeland Security have historically had a presence at the Super Bowl for non-immigration purposes - such as combating counterfeit merchandise - some lawmakers expressed concern communities in fear will not understand that distinction if uniformed ICE members are near the stadium.
That uncertainty has prompted some lawmakers to prepare contingency plans.
Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Santa Clara, announced his office will hold virtual office hours on Super Bowl Sunday to provide constituents with information and guidance in the event of unexpected immigration enforcement activity.
"Hopefully nothing bad happens, but I think people can rest easier if they know that they have a place to turn to in case something does," said Marie Baldassarre, Khanna's chief of staff.










