Corey Lewandowski, a close ally of Donald Trump, has sparked controversy by declaring that federal immigration enforcement will be active at the 2026 Super Bowl. Speaking in a recent interview, the longtime Trump confidant said Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents would be present at the event, issuing a stark warning to undocumented attendees: “We will find you, we will apprehend you, we will put you in a detention facility, and we will deport you.”
The comments come as preparations ramp up for Super Bowl LX, which will be held at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on February 8, 2026. The NFL has announced Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny as the halftime performer, a choice that has become a flashpoint in the debate after critics linked the artist’s outspoken views on immigration to broader political tensions. While Bad Bunny is a U.S. citizen, he has previously criticized ICE operations and suggested fears of raids influenced his touring decisions.
Lewandowski’s remarks — and reports that ICE operations could coincide with the Super Bowl — have raised alarm among immigrant-rights groups. Advocates argue that threatening enforcement at such a high-profile cultural event risks deterring fans from attending, while also raising concerns about racial profiling and heavy-handed policing. “These kinds of statements create a climate of fear,” one civil-rights group said in response, warning that the spectacle of the Super Bowl should not become “a stage for intimidation.”
The Department of Homeland Security has typically partnered with local law enforcement to secure major national events, including past Super Bowls, but rarely with such explicit references to immigration enforcement. A DHS spokesperson reiterated the administration’s stance that there is “no safe haven for violent criminal illegal aliens,” but stopped short of confirming whether large-scale operations would be tied to the game.
Meanwhile, the NFL and Levi’s Stadium have not publicly addressed the claims. Representatives for Bad Bunny’s team also declined to comment on Lewandowski’s remarks, focusing instead on the artist’s upcoming performance.
With the Super Bowl consistently drawing over 100 million viewers, the event remains one of the most visible stages in American life. Lewandowski’s comments underscore how political battles over immigration could collide with the world’s biggest sporting showcase, setting the stage for a contentious build-up to Super Bowl Sunday.