As the United States prepares to host soccer World Cup matches next month, federal officers and agents who make immigration arrests as part of their work with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) may be present at the tournament.
NBC News, citing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials, reported Wednesday (local time) that the agency is offering its staff to local police departments and other federal agencies to help improve security around game perimeters, similar to Homeland Security’s role at events such as the Super Bowl and the Kentucky Derby.
ICE officials not to check immigration status: Officials
While it’s unclear whether any department or agency has accepted ICE’s offer, officials familiar with the development said ICE officers and agents who will be tasked with security duties will not be responsible for checking the immigration status of spectators or staff.
According to one official, “Our agents and officers will provide security when asked, but they will not check people for immigration status,” adding that whether ICE officers will wear uniforms will only depend on the location.
DHS Statement on ICE Bid Agents
In a statement, a DHS spokesperson noted that the department “will work with our local and federal partners to secure the 2026 FIFA World Cup — in compliance with federal law, the U.S. Constitution — as we do with any major sporting event, while showcasing American greatness to the world.”
The spokesman added that international visitors coming to the U.S. legally for the games would have nothing to worry about. But they went on to say, “What makes someone a target for immigration enforcement is whether or not they’re in the U.S. illegally — period.”
FIFA will host the biggest World Cup ever in North America
FIFA is hosting its biggest ever FIFA World Cup in North America, with 48 teams competing in 16 cities across the US, Canada and Mexico. The tournament will run from June 11 to July 19, with the opening game in Mexico City and the final scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Large crowds of spectators are expected to play throughout the event.
The presence of ICE could hinder the experience for some visitors
According to the report, officials said it was not specifically stated that ICE personnel are not allowed to make arrests at World Cup games. Additionally, no guidance has been issued within the agency directing ICE officials involved in immigration enforcement to avoid World Cup stadiums.
In addition, the presence of ICE officials could cause some spectators to avoid the games. Earlier this year, at the behest of US President Donald Trump, ICE personnel patrolled security lines at airports across the country after a shortage of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) staff during the DHS government shutdown.
ICE agents were also present this year outside of a graduation ceremony for new Marines at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island in Beaufort County, South Carolina. Although no arrests were made, immigration-related concerns led to some recruits graduating without their parents attending the ceremony.
In the past, the presence of ICE officials has drawn criticism from immigration and civil liberties groups, which have argued that the agency intimidates travelers who fear being arrested.
