A controversial pro-ICE billboard has appeared in San Francisco, lighting up the streets ahead of Super Bowl LX. The billboard, funded by the conservative nonprofit American Sovereignty, features a football-themed tribute to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), labeling them the 'Defensive Player of the Year'. This comes as a separate multimillion-dollar campaign promoting ICE and stronger border security is set to launch, sparking debate and concern among local communities and immigrant rights activists.
The billboard's messages include, 'They can’t win without defense, neither can America' and 'Cheering because the home team finally started investing in defense'. The nonprofit emphasizes the importance of defense for both a safe nation and championship wins. However, the Bay Area has historically been opposed to ICE operations, with recent protests in San Jose and concerns about increased ICE presence around Levi's Stadium during Super Bowl week.
Despite the controversy, the NFL has confirmed that there are no planned ICE or immigration enforcement operations scheduled around the Super Bowl or any related events. This decision has been welcomed by local activists, but the billboard's appearance remains a contentious issue, inviting further discussion and debate on the role of ICE in the United States.
