San Jose Leaders Seek to Assure Residents Amidst Super Bowl ICE Concerns
Table of Contents
Amidst widespread protests and heightened anxieties, San Jose city officials are working to dispel rumors of increased Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity surrounding the upcoming Super Bowl. The efforts come as tens of thousands across the Bay Area demonstrated against ICE and recent shootings in Minneapolis, underscoring a climate of fear and distrust.
San Jose leaders confirmed they have been in communication with the National Football League (NFL), receiving assurances that immigration enforcement will not be a priority during the Super Bowl period. However, officials are maintaining a cautious stance, acknowledging the continued concerns within the community.
Protests Erupt Across San Jose
Demonstrations against ICE took place at multiple locations throughout San Jose, including a rally at the Mexican Heritage Plaza in east San Jose. Participants voiced a firm commitment to defending the rights of their community.
“I believe if we don’t stand for something, we’re going to fall for anything and we have to fight for our rights, for our community,” one rally attendee stated.
The protests extended beyond traditional demonstration sites, with educators and hundreds of students from schools including Silver Creek High School walking off campus to join the movement. The student-led protest was described as both loud and peaceful.
“We are the youth and we are the future. So now, more than ever, we just rise and make our voices heard. To the school board members that stand in solidarity: thank you. And to those who don’t, it’s now or never,” a student named Jonathan declared during the demonstration.
The gatherings also served as a memorial for Renee Good and Alex Pretti, two individuals killed by federal agents in Minneapolis, further fueling the outrage and calls for justice.
Official Reassurances and Lingering Concerns
Mayor Matt Mahan addressed the concerns publicly on social media on Thursday, stating, “They told us that every law enforcement agency coming to the Bay Area for the Super Bowl will be focused on one thing – our safety. I know there have been many rumors swirling for months about heightened immigration enforcement and many have been living in fear. We have been told those rumors are false.”
San Jose City Councilmember Peter Ortiz, who attended the rally, echoed the NFL’s assurances, adding that he had also spoken with representatives from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
“They’ve communicated to me that as of now, there are no plans to conduct any sort of immigration enforcements during the Super Bowl. I appreciate that information, but I take it at face value,” Ortiz said.
Despite the assurances, Ortiz urged residents to remain vigilant and prepared. “They need to have a plan for their loved ones, I encourage everyone who is part of mixed status families to educate themselves of what their rights are, and during this week, to have a plan of where they’re going and aware of their surroundings,” he cautioned.
The situation highlights the ongoing tension between security concerns and the rights of vulnerable communities, even as the Bay Area prepares to host one of the world’s largest sporting events.
