#ICEatSB51
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will have a large presence in Houston, Texas, over the next week as the Atlanta Falcons and New England Patriots prepare to face off in Super Bowl LI on Sunday, Feb. 5.
Personnel from ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) will be on hand to help protect the estimated one million fans traveling to Houston for the numerous events throughout the week.
ICE will work with local law enforcement partners and other federal agencies/components to vet individuals seeking credentials, identify and investigate the sale of counterfeit items, assist with surveillance capabilities for the Super Bowl LIVE festival and provide tactical support on game day, among many other critical tasks.
(Learn More about Public Safety at SB51, courtesy of ICE .gov and YouTube)
Through text, pictures and video, OPA will provide regular updates that will highlight ICE’s efforts in ensuring the safety of those in attendance and the protection of the homeland.
Visit ICE.gov for all “ICE at the Super Bowl” content and follow the hashtag #ICEatSB51 on social media for the latest updates.
Day 1
Super Bowl week is off and running. As both teams prepare for Sunday’s big game, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is hard at work behind the scenes enforcing its own game plan.
On Monday, Jan. 30, special agents from ICE Homeland Security Investigations’ (HSI) Houston field office hit the streets of Houston in search of criminals selling counterfeit merchandise and apparel related to Super Bowl LI.
Many counterfeiting groups are also involved in everything from forced labor to drug trafficking – all crime under ICE’s jurisdiction.
In the following video, we take you along a ride with HSI Houston special agents as they conduct a raid to seize counterfeit goods.
(ICE takes you along for a ride with HSI special agents as they conduct a raid to seize counterfeit goods as part of ‘Operation Team Player’ at Super Bowl 50. Courtesy of ICE .gov and YouTube)
Day 2
NFL Public Safety Press Conference
On Tuesday, Jan. 31, ICE held a joint press conference with DHS, the NFL, Houston Police Department and other state and local law enforcement partners to discuss public safety efforts.
With the Super Bowl being a designated Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) 1 event, a variety of capabilities including mobile command centers, K-9 teams and cyber security teams, among others, were brought in for the week to support the Houston Police Department.
“An event of this magnitude requires federal coordination,” said HSI Houston Deputy Special Agent in Charge Sean McElroy.
“The federal government remains committed to working with our state and local partners and private sector partners to bring about a safe and secure Super Bowl.”
Officials from all agencies reiterated to the public the risks that come along with an event of the Super Bowl’s magnitude.
The safety and security of those in attendance is at the top of the list with human trafficking and counterfeiting also a primary concern.
At the time of the press conference, there have been six people arrested for selling counterfeit products and 38 prostitution arrests.
“We are a team. We might have different shields and come from different organizations, but we have one single focus,” said Cathy Lanier, senior vice president of security for the NFL.
“I want to thank all the police agencies at every level of government that are here. This is definitely a multidisciplinary approach to keeping the Super Bowl safe.”
Original post https://www.ice.gov/features/superbowl
