By Brock Morgan
Medill Reports
SAN FRANCISCO – NFL Chief Security Officer Cathy Lanier said the Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement would not be among the federal and local law enforcement agencies protecting the region during the Super Bowl.
“No planned ICE enforcement activities, we are confident of that,” Lanier said during the NFL’s annual public safety news conference.
Lanier directly contradicted a statement made by Kristi Noem, the secretary of Homeland Security, who said in October, “We’ll be all over that place, and I can. We’re going to enforce the law.”
ICE has sparked protests throughout the country over its actions regarding enforcement and deportation and the shooting deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis that were both recorded on video.Lawmakers of both parties have called for Noem to step down, though President Donald Trump has said she will remain.
This year’s Super Bowl has been given a Special Event Assessment Rating of Level 1 in DHS’s system. Past SEAR 1 events include the Boston Marathon and the Rose Bowl. Authorities said they have not learned of any potential hazards for Sunday’s game.
“There are no known specific or credible threats to the Super Bowl or its events,” Lanier said.
Streets have been closed throughout the city, particularly near the convention center. Security precautions also include temporary flight restrictions in Santa Clara. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, a no-fly zone with a radius of 30 nautical miles (34.5 miles) around Levi’s Stadium will be enforced from 2:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. local time Sunday as the Golden State expects 1.3 million visitors for the big game.
According to San Francisco local news, the city doubled its human trafficking incidents last year compared with the previous year. Officials in both San Jose and surrounding Bay Area cities are working together to secure the Golden Gate city.
“Our human trafficking task force has conducted multiple operations to identify and rescue victims,” said Brian Spears, San Jose’s deputy chief of police. “We are prepared and will not allow it.”
Officials repeated the “If you see something, say something” slogan adopted from the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority following 9/11. The movement encourages the public to be vigilant and active in reporting suspicious activity to law enforcement.
“Trust your instincts and report any concerns to law enforcement,” said Jeff Brannigan, the DHS designated federal coordinator for Super Bowl LX.
One administrator said he was particularly confident in the multiagency planning and preparation.
“Anywhere you go in the city, you will be safe,” said Derrick Lew, San Francisco’s chief of police.
One sports media veteran said he has no concerns regarding the big game.
“None, I trust the people who are looking out for us because they are looking out for tens of thousands of people all the time,” said Steve Wyche, NFL Network’s chief reporter. “It’s state, it’s local, its federal — all different branches of the security division.
Washington, D.C., resident Carita Parks, who is the executive producer of Bowie TV, said she did not notice an overwhelming law enforcement presence.
“I wouldn’t say it’s different (from) any other city,” Parks said.
As for the extra sets of eyes and ears on the ground, Parks said she believes there should be a balance.
“You want to be in a Super Bowl city and feel safe, but at the same time you don’t want to look around and see police everywhere,” she said. “You want the safety without it feeling overbearing.”
Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School security officer and case manager John Michael Williams says he has felt the presence of added security.
“(I’ve seen) hella cops, there’s much more enforcement out,” he said.
Law enforcement will have the biggest footprint possible throughout the city.
“All available (Santa Clara) officers will be working throughout the week,” said Cory Morgan, Santa Clara chief of police. “All time off has been canceled.”
Officials have taken the opportunity of hosting the Super Bowl as a badge of honor.
“We are proud to help protect this community and this global event,” said Sanjay Virmani, who leads the FBI’s San Francisco field office. “We are ready.”
Brock Morgan is a sports media specialization graduate student at Medill.