Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem says ICE will be present at Super Bowl

Kristi Noem, the U.S. Homeland Security Secretary, stated that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents will be present at the Super Bowl, asserting that the event should be attended only by law-abiding Americans.

4 oct 2025 - 18:20 • 3 min read

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has announced that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents will be actively present at next year's Super Bowl, emphasizing that the event should be attended exclusively by "law-abiding Americans who love this country."

Speaking on a rightwing podcast, Noem stated that the Department of Homeland Security has a responsibility to ensure the safety of all attendees, and that ICE will be enforcing the law. Her remarks come amid controversy surrounding the NFL's decision to select Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny as the half-time performer. Bad Bunny has previously expressed concerns about potential immigration raids at his concerts, leading him to exclude the U.S. from his world tour.

Noem criticized the NFL's choice, calling the organization "weak" and stating that they "suck." She added, "we’ll win, and God will bless us, and 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, we’ll fix it."

However, Noem's assertion about ICE presence at the Super Bowl appeared to differ from the White House's stance. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt indicated that, as far as she was aware, there were no concrete plans for ICE to be at the Super Bowl. Leavitt did reiterate the administration's commitment to arresting and deporting undocumented immigrants, particularly those who are criminals.

In a separate event on Friday, protesters clashed with law enforcement agencies outside an ICE detention site near Chicago shortly after Secretary Noem's visit. At least five individuals were arrested and face charges including aggravated battery to a police officer, resisting, and obstruction. The protest occurred at the ICE detention center in Brookview, about 20 miles west of Chicago.

Noem visited the facility on the rooftop, accompanied by El Centro Border Patrol Sector Chief Gregory Bovino, directing protesters and media away from the area. The situation escalated around 9 a.m. with pushing and shoving. Tear gas or chemical substances were not used, though they have been in the past at such sites. Counter-protesters were also present in support of ICE and federal agents.

During the protest, which at its peak saw between 100 to 200 demonstrators, protesters chanted and displayed signs. Some protesters expressed concerns about the conditions within the ICE facility and called for transparency and inspection access.

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has previously criticized the ICE operation, known as Midway Blitz Operation, which began on September 8th and has resulted in over 800 arrests. Pritzker stated that federal agents under Secretary Noem have been detaining families, scaring residents, and violating due process rights, even detaining U.S. citizens. He further criticized Noem's previous visits, describing them as photo opportunities where she arrived early and left before sunrise.

Village officials in Broadview have also launched criminal investigations into ICE actions, citing concerns about illegally built fencing that could impede emergency access.