Unprecedented security efforts take place during Rose Bowl

LOS ANGELES, CA (CNS/FOX 11) - For the first time the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl were designated as top level security events by the Department of Homeland Security. Spokeswoman for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Virginia Kice says that decision was made long before the attacks in Paris and San Bernardino.

More than 90,000 people showed up for the 102nd Rose Bowl, and each and everyone of them went through security.

"I understand in terms of terrorism and everything. i understand that they want to talk every precaution that you just have to be patient. 26;41 i appreciate it," Bill Samuels, a long Iowa fan said after going through the metal detector.

"I noticed the security is very smooth so far, but it's very early , so I haven't see any issues," Stanford fan Greg Miller said.

Lt. Art Chute from the Pasadena Police Department says the plans for the security at the event have been in the making for more than a year, but they did make some changes.

"With the known threats lately, and the supposed threats we've had, we've increased security. We have federal, state and county resources that we're using," Chute said.

For the first time, the Pasadena Police Department partnered with an unprecedented level of resources from the Department of Homeland Security. Assets include bomb sniffing dogs, explosive detection capabilities, license plate readers and additional eyes in the sky.

"They're out here looking for any radiation that might be nearby, so if anyone wants to do an nefarious act, and radiation is involved, they'll pick that up and we'll know about it and respond accordingly," Cute said.

Hawkeye Fan Ben Herrera says with recent events he found himself wondering about a possible terrorist plot at the bowl, and he wasn't alone.

"My mom texted me, 'you better to be careful,'" Herrera said. Knowing about the additional security gave him and his mother peace of mind.

"I've been dreaming the my whole life to go to the Rose Bowl, and I just want to have a good time and be safe and that's great that they're doing that," Herrera aid.

On top of the security that we see, Lt. Chute says there are numerous undercover officers that we don't see working to keep everyone safe. In addition, tactical teams were standing by incase an emergency or attack materialized.

News Us Ca