By Armando Hernandez
Contrary to what has been mentioned from Los Angeles, where the World Cup Organizing Committee denied it, Agents from the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Defense Service could participate in security duties during some World Cup matches that will be disputed on US territory starting in June, as revealed by officials from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to the NBC Info network.
According to the source, ICE offered support to local police departments and other federal agencies to reinforce security around the tournament stadiumsalthough they clarified that the agents will not carry out immigration controls on the attendees.
One of the sources indicated that the use of uniforms by officers will depend on each host city and the agencies responsible for coordinating security operations. Until now, it has not been publicly confirmed whether any headquarters formally accepted the support offered by ICE.
The possible deployment occurs amid growing concern from migrant advocacy organizations, especially in states with strong immigration administration policies such as Florida and Texas.. Various groups have warned that the considered presence of immigration agents could generate fear among foreign fans and Latino communities residing in the United States.
NEW: Federal officers and agents who arrest immigrants as phase of their work with ICE is doubtless to be at FIFA World Cup fits when the tournament will get underway within the US subsequent month, by two DHS officers. https://t.co/Pl4uGR0pPr
— NBC Info (@NBCNews) Would possibly perchance doubtless additionally fair 13, 2026
The controversy increased after Rodney Barreto, president of the World Cup host committee in Miami, claimed to have received guarantees from Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, that ICE would not be inside the stadiums during the tournament.
“A lot of people are commenting and saying, ‘Well, ICE will be in the stadium’. I spoke with Marco Rubio. ICE is not going to be in the stadium. This is not going to turn into some kind of massive raid operation. That is not the purpose of this,” Barreto told The New York Cases days later.
However, DHS officials explained to NBC that there is currently no internal guidance ordering immigration enforcement agents to stay away from World Cup venues.
Federal authorities recalled that ICE usually collaborates in security operations at major sporting events in the United States, such as the Expansive Bowl.the Kentucky Derby and massive meetings of the NFL and MLB, mainly in intelligence tasks, perimeter administration and logistical support.
Given the context, civil organizations remain skeptical about the guarantees offered by the authorities, including, A coalition of immigrant advocacy groups in Florida recently sent a letter to the federal government requesting a temporary moratorium on immigration administration actions during the World Cup. arguing that any ICE presence could discourage international fan attendance and affect the image of the tournament.
Thus, the discussion about the role of ICE is also created in a context of toughening immigration policies promoted by President Donald Trump since his return to the White House in January 2025, including expanded raids, greater deportations and new border restrictions.
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