ICE to Deploy Agents at Super Bowl Amid Controversy Over Halftime Show Security Measures

ICE to Deploy Agents at Super Bowl Amid Controversy Over Bad Bunny's Halftime Show In a move that has sparked concern among immigration advocates, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced on Friday that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will be "all over" the Super Bowl in February. The statement was made during an appearance on podcaster Benny Johnson's show, where Noem discussed her agency's plans to monitor the event. According to sources, Noem's comments were in response to criticism from right-wing pundits, including Johnson, who have been expressing concerns about Bad Bunny's upcoming halftime performance at the Super Bowl. The Puerto Rican rapper has been a vocal critic of former President Donald Trump and has previously stated that he avoided touring in the mainland US due to concerns about ICE enforcement targeting his fans. "We'll be all over that place," Noem said, when asked by Johnson about her agency's plans for the Super Bowl. "I think people should not be coming to the Super Bowl unless they're law-abiding Americans who love this country." The announcement has raised questions about the implications of ICE's presence at the event. Immigration advocates have long criticized the agency for its aggressive tactics and treatment of undocumented immigrants. "This is a clear attempt by the administration to intimidate and silence immigrant communities," said a spokesperson for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). "We urge the Department of Homeland Security to reconsider its plans and prioritize public safety over partisan politics." The Super Bowl, which will take place on February 12 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, is one of the most-watched events in the world. The halftime show, featuring Bad Bunny, is expected to draw a massive audience. In recent years, there has been growing concern about the intersection of immigration policy and public events. In 2020, ICE agents were deployed at the US-Mexico border during the COVID-19 pandemic, sparking controversy over the agency's role in enforcing public health measures. The deployment of ICE agents at the Super Bowl raises questions about the balance between national security and civil liberties. As one government official noted, "ICE is not just an immigration enforcement agency, it's also a law enforcement agency that can be deployed to any event where there are concerns about public safety." In response to criticism from immigration advocates, Noem has maintained that her agency's primary focus is on enforcing federal laws and protecting national security. "We're not here to intimidate or harass anyone," she said. "Our job is to enforce the law and keep this country safe." As the Super Bowl approaches, advocates are calling on fans to be aware of their rights and to report any instances of ICE activity at the event. Background: Bad Bunny's halftime performance has been a topic of controversy in recent weeks, with some right-wing pundits expressing concerns about his music and politics. The rapper has been a vocal critic of Trump and has used his platform to advocate for immigrant rights. ICE's presence at the Super Bowl is not unprecedented. In 2019, agents were deployed at the event in Atlanta, Georgia, sparking controversy over the agency's role in enforcing public safety measures. Additional Perspectives: Immigration advocates have long criticized ICE for its aggressive tactics and treatment of undocumented immigrants. The deployment of agents at the Super Bowl raises questions about the balance between national security and civil liberties. "We're not just talking about immigration enforcement here," said a spokesperson for the ACLU. "We're talking about public safety, and whether or not ICE is the right agency to be deployed in this context." As the Super Bowl approaches, fans are advised to be aware of their rights and to report any instances of ICE activity at the event. Current Status: ICE's plans for the Super Bowl remain unclear. However, advocates are calling on fans to be vigilant and to report any instances of agency activity at the event. In a statement, Noem maintained that her agency's primary focus is on enforcing federal laws and protecting national security. "We'll continue to do our job and keep this country safe," she said. *Reporting by Motherjones.*