Pro-ICE NFL billboard appears in San Francisco ahead of Super Bowl LX

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA: With Super Bowl LX just days away, an unexpected pro-ICE message has appeared in San Francisco, drawing attention for both its timing and its location in one of the nation’s most liberal cities. 

The billboard, which features NFL-themed visuals and a message supporting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), surfaced less than two weeks before the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks are set to face off in Santa Clara, California. 

Pro-ICE billboard appears ahead of Super Bowl

The billboard appeared in San Francisco, a city widely known for its progressive politics and strong opposition to aggressive immigration enforcement. Santa Clara, where Super Bowl LX will be held, sits just south of the city, making the message difficult to ignore as the NFL world descends on the Bay Area.

Photos of the billboard were shared online, including by OutKick contributor Riley Gaines, who noted the striking contrast between the message and the city where it appeared. The billboard did not list a political group or organization as its sponsor. Instead, it simply credited the message to “America."

Pro-ICE billboard timing fuels political debate

The placement of the billboard just days before the Super Bowl added to its impact. California is often viewed as one of the most liberal states, and San Francisco, in particular, has long positioned itself as a sanctuary city.

That context made the pro-ICE message stand out even more, especially during a week when immigration enforcement was already under heightened scrutiny due to large-scale events like the Super Bowl. For some observers, the billboard was seen as a bold political statement meant to challenge dominant narratives around immigration enforcement.

Supporters argued that, despite criticism and controversy, ICE continues to play what they view as a necessary role in enforcing immigration laws and border security.

Social media backlash and online reactions

The billboard quickly became a flashpoint on social media. While some users praised the message and its placement, others strongly criticized it, directing their anger toward those who shared or supported it.

Riley Gaines, who posted about the billboard, became a target for online attacks shortly after the image circulated. One user on X commented, "Cheerleading again." Another said, "Nice, you promote the death of Americans… how pro life of you." Another added, "You’ll look back in 10 years time in absolute shame." One person commented, saying, "More like coward of the year."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.