Groups warn of spreading ICE misinformation

Federal immigration escalation in Minneapolis, which resulted in the death of two American citizens, has also increased tension and anger around ICE’s aggressive deportation policies, resulting in protests across the country and the Bay Area. 

“We’ve definitely heard a spike in fear in the immigrant community about the Super Bowl and particularly increased panic about unverified rumors of an ICE operation in our region,” Nani Friedman, communications officer for Faith in Action, which operates the county’s rapid response hotline, said. “We right now are seeing there’s currently no evidence there will be an ICE or immigration enforcement in our region associated with our Super Bowl.” 

The panic that unverified, ICE-related rumors — often spread online through social media — can create has very real impacts on community members’ lives, Friedman said. She encouraged community members to call the rapid response hotline at (203) 666-4472 to verify claims before sharing. 

Although there will be a variety of federal agencies present, including the Department of Homeland Security, there is no planned ICE operation for the event, NFL Chief Security Officer Cathy Lanier said. 

“The federal presence here is consistent with past Super Bowls and other sporting events,” she said at a press conference Feb. 3. “There are no known, no planned ICE or immigration enforcement operations scheduled around the Super Bowl or any Super Bowl related events.” 

While this contradicts prior October statements from DHS officials that ICE will be at the event, the Associated Press reported DHS official Jeff Brannigan said recently in a private call with local law enforcement and NFL officials that ICE isn’t planning any law enforcement action in the area during Super Bowl week. DHS has not publicly clarified. 

San Bruno Police Chief Matt Lethin said the department follows California law and never proactively communicates with ICE, only sharing information related to criminal investigations when required by law. Local law enforcement has been involved with Super Bowl safety enforcement, and ICE presence has not come up, he said. 

“Our focus is on matters of safety at the local level. We do not concern ourselves with federal immigration,” Lethin said of the department’s policy. 

Federal immigration agencies do not generally notify the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office of immigration operations, Communications Director Gretchen Spiker said in a statement, but she emphasized that the department does not cooperate with immigration authorities unless required by a judicial warrant. 

In the event that an individual is stopped or arrested by ICE, Friedman said, it’s important to be aware of their rights, including the right to remain silent, the right not to open a door without a signed judicial warrant, and the right to ask to talk to an attorney. Rapid Response can provide an attorney for individuals in need, she said, so it’s important to call the hotline for assistance.

For community members who want to help in the midst of anxieties and frustration around ICE, Friedman pointed to constructive actions like becoming a rapid response verifier, flyering, resource distribution, donations and calling to confirm unverified claims. 

“I think the San Mateo County community is hugely united,” she said. “We’re in contact with so many people who are volunteering, who are reaching out.”