The fever for the 2026 World Cup has brought with it growing concern among immigrant communities. Furthermore, less than a month before the ball rolls in U.S. territory, 2 officials from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed that agents from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) could be present in stadiums during the tournament.
According to information obtained by Telemundo, the immigration agency is offering its personnel to support local police departments in security work around World Cup venues. On the other hand, the model would be very similar to the backup role that the DHS usually plays in high-impact mass events. For example, like the Super Bowl or the famous Kentucky Derby.
However, it has not yet been confirmed whether local agencies will accept the deployment of immigration personnel. Although authorities have tried to send a message of calm, the lack of clarity about how agents will operate has generated alarm among thousands of fans. This is especially noticeable in communities with mixed immigration status. These communities want to enjoy the World Cup.
Will They Check Fans’ Immigration Status?
The main concern of civil organizations is that security controls in stadiums will become covert immigration checkpoints. In response, the DHS officials cited in the original report assured that, if their personnel are deployed, they will not conduct immigration status verification of spectators or employees of sports facilities.
“Our agents and officers will provide security when requested, but they will not verify people’s immigration status,” declared one of the officials, adding that the use of official ICE uniforms will depend exclusively on the location and rules of each stadium.
A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security reinforced this position, assuring in a statement that the government will work with its local partners to ensure security under the law and the U.S. Constitution. According to the spokesman, international visitors who arrive in the country legally to attend the matches have nothing to worry about during the tournament.
“What makes a person a target for immigration authorities is whether or not they are in U.S. territory illegally, period,” the spokesman stated. Furthermore, he advised tourists to prepare their travel plans and official documentation in advance. This will help avoid logistical issues at access checkpoints.
Can People Be Arrested During Matches?
Despite declarations of institutional calm, there is a legal detail that keeps human rights advocacy organizations on edge. Federal officials admitted that, to date, there is no internal directive or executive order that expressly prohibits ICE personnel from conducting operations during the matches.
