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Super Bowl LX Set for Feb 8 in Santa Clara Amid Security Debate and Trump’s Absence

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  • President Donald Trump, center, with his grandson Theodore, left walks on the field before the start of the NFL Super Bowl 59.
    Image: WBNS (Columbus, OH)
    President Donald Trump, center, with his grandson Theodore, left walks on the field before the start of the NFL Super Bowl 59. (Credit: AP) Source Full size
  • President Donald Trump, center, with his grandson Theodore, left walks on the field before the start of the NFL Super Bowl 59.
    Image: King5 (Seattle, WA)
    President Donald Trump, center, with his grandson Theodore, left walks on the field before the start of the NFL Super Bowl 59. (Credit: AP) Source Full size
  • Close up detail of a law enforcement agent is seen during a “National Shutdown” protest against US Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Los Angeles on January 30, 2026.
    Image: Newsweek
    Close up detail of a law enforcement agent is seen during a “National Shutdown” protest against US Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Los Angeles on January 30, 2026. Source Full size
  • Close up detail of a law enforcement agent is seen during a “National Shutdown” protest against US Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Los Angeles on January 30, 2026.
    Image: Newsweek
    Close up detail of a law enforcement agent is seen during a “National Shutdown” protest against US Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Los Angeles on January 30, 2026. Source Full size
  • President Donald Trump, center, with his grandson Theodore, left walks on the field before the start of the NFL Super Bowl 59.
    Image: King5 (Seattle, WA)
    President Donald Trump, center, with his grandson Theodore, left walks on the field before the start of the NFL Super Bowl 59. (Credit: AP) Source Full size

Event Details Confirmed for Feb 8, 2026 The championship will be played at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, kicking off at 6:30 p.m. Eastern, featuring the New England Patriots versus the Seattle Seahawks and televised on NBC, Telemundo, Peacock and Universo [1][3][4].

SEAR‑1 Security Rating Drives Federal Coordination NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell classified the game as a Special Event Assessment Rating 1, prompting daily coordination among NFL security, the Department of Homeland Security and local law‑enforcement agencies [1][2]. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin affirmed that legal attendees have nothing to fear while the NFL maintains unchanged security preparations [1].

Conflicting Reports on ICE Presence A host‑committee memo disclosed that ICE will not conduct immigration raids at the event, contradicting earlier speculation and statements by former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem [1]. Conversely, CNN reported that ICE officers are expected to be part of the federal security contingent because of the SEAR‑1 designation [2].

Halftime and Pre‑Show Acts Spark Political Commentary Bad Bunny will headline the halftime show, and Green Day is slated to open the festivities; Goodell hopes both performances remain apolitical despite recent criticism of ICE and the artists’ outspoken views [2]. President Donald Trump labeled the selections “terrible” and accused them of “sowing hatred,” echoing his broader cultural‑war critiques [3][4].

Trump Declines Attendance Citing Travel Distance In a New York Post interview, Trump said the Bay Area venue is “just too far away” and he would consider attending if it were “a little bit shorter,” marking a departure from his usual presence at major sports events [3][4].

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Timeline

Oct 2025 – Kristi Noem, then‑Secretary of Homeland Security, announces that ICE will conduct immigration‑enforcement operations at the upcoming Super Bowl, sparking controversy and prompting later clarifications from organizers[3].

2025‑2026 (tour season) – Bad Bunny deliberately omits venues in the lower 48 states from his concert tour, citing fear that ICE could raid concert sites; he also warns in interviews that ICE presence shapes his touring decisions[1][2].

Jan 2026 – Commissioner Roger Goodell visits the Oval Office and announces the 2027 NFL Draft in Washington, DC, signaling a recent thaw in his relationship with President Trump after years of tension over anthem protests[1].

Jan 25 2026 – President Donald Trump tells the New York Post he will skip Super Bowl LX because the Bay‑Area venue is “just too far away,” adds he would attend if it were “a little bit shorter,” and denounces halftime performers Bad Bunny and Green Day as “terrible” choices that “sow hatred”[2].

Jan 30 2026 – Trump reiterates his decision to miss the game, boasts that he has “great hands for the Super Bowl, they like me,” and again labels Bad Bunny and Green Day “terrible” and “anti‑them,” reinforcing his criticism of the artists’ political stances[4][5].

Feb 3 2026 – Goodell holds a press conference stressing that Super Bowl LX should “unite fans,” hopes the halftime show stays apolitical, classifies the event as SEAR‑1 (the highest security tier), and confirms that federal, state and local agencies—including ICE officers—will be part of the security contingent[1][1].

Feb 3 2026 – A host‑committee memo, seen by The Washington Post, states that ICE will not conduct immigration‑enforcement raids at the game; DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin assures attendees that anyone present legally has nothing to fear, while daily coordination with NFL security continues[3][3].

Feb 8 2026 – Super Bowl LX kicks off at 6:30 p.m. ET at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, pitting the Seattle Seahawks against the New England Patriots; the broadcast airs on NBC, Telemundo, Peacock and Universo, drawing a nationwide audience[3][4].

2026‑2027 (future) – Goodell’s announced 2027 NFL Draft in Washington, DC, marks a continued partnership between the league and the Trump administration following the Super Bowl, underscoring the evolving political dynamics surrounding NFL events[1].

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