City leaders and immigration advocates across the Bay Area are preparing for a possible surge of ICE agents during Super Bowl week. Thursday, San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie was trying to quell some of those concerns.
Lurie said based on his conversations with the NFL and federal agencies, he’s not expecting a surge of ICE agents during Super Bowl week; however, that is not stopping cities and counties from getting prepared.
Super Bowl preparations are underway at San Francisco’s Moscone Center with a week ahead of NFL festivities and events taking over the city.
In an interview with the San Francisco Chronicle, Mayor Daniel Lurie says he’s received no indication from the NFL or federal agencies off a federal immigration operation being planned for San Francisco next week, saying “We’re going to keep monitoring the situation, but we have no belief that there is anything different than what happens around a tier-1 event of this magnitude from the federal law enforcement”.
Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen also told the Chronicle he has not heard anything regarding immigration enforcement during Super Bowl week and would be notified in advance if an operation takes place.
A spokesperson added, “The DA has unequivocally said that he will independently investigate any criminality by a federal agent – or any other law enforcement agent – in his jurisdiction.”
This comes after South Bay congressional representatives, elected leaders and immigration advocates gathered Thursday in solidarity against any ICE operations in the Bay Area next week following the deadly ICE agent shootings in Minnesota.
“Never again. Never again can we see this type of cruelty, this kind of chaos, unleashed on communities throughout our country. We won’t stand for it here and we can’t stand for it anywhere in the United States of America,” said Rep. Sam Liccardo.
Santa Clara County Sheriff Bob Jonsen also made it clear that ICE officers must be unmasked and can’t stage on city or county property.
“But if they’re not masked, if they’re wearing tan and green, or blue or black, trust me, they’re there for your protection,” Jonsen said.
Immigration groups like SIREN say the immigrant community in the South Bay is feeling on edge with so much uncertainty heading into next week.
“There have been days when we have fielded up to 120 calls a day. The sheer volume of calls has long informed us that fear is rampant,” said Huy Tran, SIREN executive director.
Lurie was not available for any additional comments, but it sounds like the city is not anticipating a surge in ICE agents during Super Bowl week.