The Department of Homeland Security is declining to provide details about potential immigration enforcement at the Super Bowl.The halftime show’s headliner has been a vocal critic of the Trump administration’s crackdown, prompting some conservatives to turn to counterprogramming.Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem previously said that ICE would have a presence at the event.”We’ll be all over that place,” Noem told a conservative commentator last year. “I think people shouldn’t be coming to the Super Bowl unless they’re law-abiding Americans who love this country.”But the NFL’s chief security officer, Cathy Lanier, seemed to contradict that message last week. “There are no known, no planned ICE or immigration enforcement operations that are scheduled around the Super Bowl or any of the Super Bowl-related events,” Lanier said. Asked about the mixed messages on Saturday, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said they would not disclose future operations or discuss personnel. “Super Bowl security will entail a whole-of-government response conducted in line with the U.S. Constitution,” McLaughlin said. “Those who are here legally and are not breaking other laws have nothing to fear.”It comes as immigration enforcement tactics are under heightened scrutiny. Democrats are demanding a list of reforms to rein in ICE after two American citizens were killed by federal officers in Minneapolis amid widespread protests in the Twin Cities. If Congress doesn’t reach a deal by Friday, DHS funding could lapse once again. Bad Bunny, who is headlining the Super Bowl halftime show, criticized ICE while accepting his first of several awards at the Grammys last weekend. “Before I say thanks to God, I’m going to say ICE out,” he said. “We’re not savage, we’re not animals, we’re not aliens. We are humans, and we are Americans.”The Spanish-speaking singer from Puerto Rico skipped the continental U.S. during his recent tour, partly due to concerns that his fans would be targeted by ICE. Some conservatives have criticized the selection of Bad Bunny for the halftime show. Turning Point USA, which was founded by the late activist Charlie Kirk, is putting on an alternative show featuring musical performances from Kid Rock, Brantley Gilbert, Lee Brice and Gabby Barrett.“The All-American Halftime Show is an opportunity for all Americans to enjoy a halftime show with no agenda other than to celebrate faith, family, and freedom,” said Andrew Kolvet, a spokesperson for Turning Point USA, in a statement.Asked which show President Donald Trump would be tuning into, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said, “I think the president would much prefer a Kid Rock performance over Bad Bunny.” Trump went to last year’s Super Bowl in person. This year, he is expected to attend a watch party in Palm Beach, Florida.
WASHINGTON —
The Department of Homeland Security is declining to provide details about potential immigration enforcement at the Super Bowl.
The halftime show’s headliner has been a vocal critic of the Trump administration’s crackdown, prompting some conservatives to turn to counterprogramming.
Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem previously said that ICE would have a presence at the event.
“We’ll be all over that place,” Noem told a conservative commentator last year. “I think people shouldn’t be coming to the Super Bowl unless they’re law-abiding Americans who love this country.”
But the NFL’s chief security officer, Cathy Lanier, seemed to contradict that message last week.
“There are no known, no planned ICE or immigration enforcement operations that are scheduled around the Super Bowl or any of the Super Bowl-related events,” Lanier said.
Asked about the mixed messages on Saturday, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said they would not disclose future operations or discuss personnel.
“Super Bowl security will entail a whole-of-government response conducted in line with the U.S. Constitution,” McLaughlin said. “Those who are here legally and are not breaking other laws have nothing to fear.”
It comes as immigration enforcement tactics are under heightened scrutiny. Democrats are demanding a list of reforms to rein in ICE after two American citizens were killed by federal officers in Minneapolis amid widespread protests in the Twin Cities. If Congress doesn’t reach a deal by Friday, DHS funding could lapse once again.
Bad Bunny, who is headlining the Super Bowl halftime show, criticized ICE while accepting his first of several awards at the Grammys last weekend.
“Before I say thanks to God, I’m going to say ICE out,” he said. “We’re not savage, we’re not animals, we’re not aliens. We are humans, and we are Americans.”
The Spanish-speaking singer from Puerto Rico skipped the continental U.S. during his recent tour, partly due to concerns that his fans would be targeted by ICE.
Some conservatives have criticized the selection of Bad Bunny for the halftime show. Turning Point USA, which was founded by the late activist Charlie Kirk, is putting on an alternative show featuring musical performances from Kid Rock, Brantley Gilbert, Lee Brice and Gabby Barrett.
“The All-American Halftime Show is an opportunity for all Americans to enjoy a halftime show with no agenda other than to celebrate faith, family, and freedom,” said Andrew Kolvet, a spokesperson for Turning Point USA, in a statement.
Asked which show President Donald Trump would be tuning into, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said, “I think the president would much prefer a Kid Rock performance over Bad Bunny.”
Trump went to last year’s Super Bowl in person. This year, he is expected to attend a watch party in Palm Beach, Florida.