Agents from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) could actively participate in security operations. Their deployment would occur during several matches of the FIFA World Cup. The highly anticipated tournament will begin on U.S. territory starting in June. Federal officials revealed this recently.
Two officials from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spoke with the national NBC News network. They confirmed that ICE offered support to various local police departments. They also seek to assist other federal agencies to strengthen necessary security measures. Operations would concentrate around the various host stadiums.
Federal agents clarified that they do not plan to conduct direct immigration controls on the thousands of tournament attendees. However, there is no internal directive explicitly ordering agents to stay completely away. To date, no World Cup venue has officially confirmed whether it accepted this controversial federal assistance offered by ICE.
What Are the Organizing Committees Saying About ICE?
Public discussion about World Cup security has increased drastically in recent weeks due to rumors. The organizing committee of the sporting event in Los Angeles has already previously denied any similar federal participation. They assured that no immigration agency will be directly present at the popular SoFi Stadium. This stance seeks to calm local tensions.
Meanwhile, Rodney Barreto is the president of the host committee in Miami. He assured having received security guarantees from Secretary of State Marco Rubio. “I spoke with Marco Rubio. ICE will not be at the stadium,” Barreto told The New York Times. He added that there will be no massive raid-type operations at the games.
According to the official report, the use of tactical uniforms will depend on each host city and its responsible agencies. Federal authorities reminded that ICE usually collaborates on security for major events in the United States. They typically provide logistical support at the Super Bowl and the Kentucky Derby, always prioritizing complex perimeter intelligence tasks.
Why Is There Fear in the Latino and Immigrant Community?
The possible federal deployment occurs amid growing and justified civil concerns. Several migrant advocacy organizations maintain deep skepticism about verbal promises. These groups warn that the mere visible presence of immigration agents would generate strong fear. This would directly affect foreign fans and various Latino communities residing in the country.
