As thousands of NFL fans descend on San Francisco for the Super Bowl, a new controversy is stealing headlines.
Pro-ICE billboards have appeared in one of the city’s busiest tourist areas, stirring outrage among locals and visitors alike.
The ads, which were first posted on social media by an account called American Sovereignty, claim their mission is to bolster border security, stop trafficking, and close loopholes for unlawful entry.
The timing and location—right in the heart of Fisherman’s Wharf at Jefferson and Mason—have added fuel to the fire, as the streets are already packed with Super Bowl-goers.
Locals Speak Out Against the Messaging
Residents and visitors have not held back their frustration.
Kim, visiting from St. Louis, told the Daily Mail, “It’s really unnecessary.
If you’re already an American, you’ve got your own opinion about ICE. That billboard isn’t going to change anyone’s mind.”
Her husband Mark added, “Anything about ICE just makes me angry.”
Visitors from Phoenix, Anastasia Ray and Tyler, were equally critical: “It seems absolutely disgusting.
People are already traveling here for the event, and these billboards feel like they’re targeting folks unfairly.”
Even American citizens with immigrant backgrounds have voiced concern.
Susan Holder, originally from Peru, said, “What ICE is doing now is completely illegal in many cases.
Sure, living here illegally is a problem, but countless hardworking families and kids are being affected. It’s just not fair.”
The Billboards and Their Controversial Imagery
The billboards mix football themes with immigration enforcement messages.
One features an officer holding a trophy with the tagline: “Defensive Player of the Year: ICE.”
Another splits the imagery, showing a football team on one side with the phrase, “They can’t win without defense,” and ICE agents on the other with, “Neither can America.”
The final billboard depicts officers in front of a representation of Trump’s border wall, with the words: “Cheering because the home team finally started investing in defense.”
ICE Presence Heightens Super Bowl Tensions
The Trump administration plans to send ICE agents to the Bay Area ahead of the February 8 showdown between the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots.
Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem declared, “We’ll be all over that place,” while a DHS official reassured, “Those here legally and following the law have nothing to fear.”
These announcements come amid heightened tensions following two high-profile deaths connected to ICE officers: Alex Pretti in Minneapolis and Renee Good, who was fatally shot in her car.
Both incidents have triggered nationwide protests, with some Trump administration officials accusing local leaders of insufficiently supporting federal law enforcement.
Local Authorities Push Back
Santa Clara County Sheriff Bob Jonsen has made it clear his department will not assist ICE.
At a news briefing, he said, “We will not be working or supporting ICE Immigration Enforcement.
I urge federal partners to communicate with local officials before taking action in our community.”
Jonsen reassured residents and fans, “If you see our officers, they’re here to keep you safe.
Anyone in uniform you encounter during Super Bowl events is protecting you, not enforcing immigration laws.”
Conflicting Messages on ICE Operations
Despite local concerns, DHS confirmed to TMZ that ICE plans to be active in the Super Bowl area, though there are no immediate plans to operate inside Levi’s Stadium or NFL events.
Last year, Trump ally Corey Lewandowski warned that there would be no safe haven for undocumented visitors, emphasizing strict enforcement.
Noem echoed this sentiment, urging attendees to “avoid the Super Bowl unless they are law-abiding Americans who love this country.”
DHS assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin added, “We are committed to keeping the Super Bowl safe for everyone, as with other major sporting events.”
Community Concerns Remain
Local officials warn that the presence of ICE could increase fear.
Peter Ortiz of the San Jose city council said, “People are already afraid to eat out, go shopping, or send their kids to school because of this.”
Meanwhile, President Trump will not attend this year’s Super Bowl and criticized the choice of Bad Bunny for halftime, noting the artist cited ICE concerns as a reason for skipping mainland U.S. tour dates.
Looking Ahead
With tensions running high and a massive crowd expected, San Francisco faces a unique challenge: balancing fan safety, community concerns, and federal law enforcement presence during one of the biggest sporting events of the year.
